Wakeup2god said:
Do all muslims live by this example - no joy, or is it an extremist view?
There is not humor when it comes to religious matters. For instance, you Christians feel it is ok to depict Jesus on television and movies in a silly matter. Or making little statues with him ridding bikes and things like that. The religion of Islam is not a joke. Therefore a muslim has to take the religion seriously. But, that doesn't mean that a Muslim cannot have humor in his life. The prophet Muhammad used to laugh and smile at jokes made by some of his companions as well. Here is are two haddiths for instance. One is about the prophet Muhammad having a fun race with one of his wives. The other is about an incident when a few women had come to talk to the prophet Muhammad in his house to ask him for financial support, when one of his companions knocked on the door and they all scattered. The prophet smiled at their behavior.
Sahih Bukhari Volume 4, Book 54, Number 515: Narrated Sad bin Abi Waqqas: Once Umar asked the leave to see Allah's Apostle in whose company there were some Quraishi women who were talking to him and asking him for more financial support raising their voices. When 'Umar asked permission to enter the women got up (quickly) hurrying to screen themselves. When Allah's Apostle admitted 'Umar, Allah's Apostle was smiling, 'Umar asked, "O Allah's Apostle! May Allah keep you gay always." Allah's Apostle said, "I am astonished at these women who were with me. As soon as they heard your voice, they hastened to screen themselves." 'Umar said, "O Allah's Apostle! You have more right to be feared by them." Then he addressed (those women) saying, "O enemies of your own souls! Do you fear me and not Allah's Apostle ?" They replied. "Yes, for you are a fearful and fierce man as compared with Allah's Apostle." On that Allah's Apostle said (to 'Umar), "By Him in Whose Hands my life is, whenever Satan sees you taking a path, he follows a path other than yours."
Sunan Abu-Dawood Book 14, Number 2572: Narrated Aisha, Ummul Mu'minin: while she was on a journey along with the Apostle of Allah (peace_be_upon_him): I had a race with him (the Prophet) and I outstripped him on my feet. When I became fleshy, (again) I had a race with him (the Prophet) and he outstripped me. He said: This is for that outstripping.
The type of joking which is looked down upon in Islam is when you make a joke at someone else's expense, thereby bringing embarressment to that person. That is hurting someone else's feelings, and is considered trying to be arrogant. For instance if someone makes a joke about another person because that person is fat.