The narration referenced by critics (Sahih al-Bukhari 77) reads:

“When I was a boy of five, I remember, the Prophet (ﷺ) took water from a bucket (used for getting water out of a well) with his mouth and threw it on my face.”

This is an authentic hadith, and nothing in its wording mentions laughter or ridicule. It simply describes a moment of interaction between the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and a young boy, Mahmud bin Rabiʿa, when he was around five years old.

Critics sometimes connect this to laughing or mockery, but that is a misrepresentation. Let’s unpack the context and meaning properly:

1. It’s a moment of play or affection – not mockery

The Prophet (ﷺ) was known to show gentle affection and ease with children and companions. Other narrations confirm that he smiled often, and that his humor was light and dignified – never excessive or demeaning.

What this hadith describes, taking water and playfully throwing it, fits the character of the Prophet (ﷺ) with children: engaging, kind, and personable.

2. The Prophet (ﷺ) did not laugh in a cruel or hateful way

There are other authentic narrations that convey how the Prophet (ﷺ):

• Smiled calmly and never laughed loudly such that his throat or palate was exposed.
• Maintained dignity, even in light moments, always mindful of respect and kindness.[1]

So even when there was humor or play, it was natural and wholesome, not ridicule or humiliation.

3. Critics often project modern, literal interpretations

When modern critics mock this hadith, they take the scene out of its linguistic and cultural context:

• In Arab culture, playful acts among friends, elders, and children were normal.
• The word “majja” used in the Arabic does not imply harm; it simply describes splashing water from the mouth, which could easily happen during a light-hearted moment.

There’s no indication in the narration that this was a joke at the child’s expense or an act of mockery.

4. The Prophet’s (ﷺ) humor was always within Islamic ethics

The Prophet (ﷺ) did use humor in other authentic narrations, for example, making light, gracious remarks to companions that brought a smile or mild laughter, but always without derision.

His companions themselves narrated these moments with respect and warmth, not embarrassment or shame. That tells us the laughter was benign and courteous, not mocking or demeaning.

5. Reading the Hadith accurately removes the mockery

Let’s be clear: the text of Sahih al-Bukhari 77 doesn’t say the Prophet (ﷺ) laughed at the boy, laughed because of the boy, or was mocking him. It simply records a personal memory of the companion.

Without adding unwarranted interpretations, no reasonable reading of the text supports the anti-Islamic claim that this was a moment of ridicule.

Conclusion

The hadith in Sahih al-Bukhari 77 is a simple, authentic narration describing a playful or affectionate moment between the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and a young child. It does not provide evidence of mockery or inappropriate laughter.

When we approach the text with context (linguistic, cultural, and ethical) the accusation falls apart. What some critics misunderstand or intentionally misrepresent is simply a gentle moment that reflects the Prophet’s (ﷺ) humane and compassionate manner toward children.

References and footnotes:

[1] Al-Tirmidhī, Shamāʾil al-Muḥammadiyyah, chapters on the Prophet’s (ﷺ) demeanor.