Reply #4: The only Qur'anic quotation you cited

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

is one that has been taken out of context. It is part of a longer passage talking about an invasion, and is talking about the foes of Islam laughing now but that they won't later, because they will be vanquished.

As for the other quotes, I note that they are not from Sufis or moderate Muslims I know, all of whom do laugh and smile. You've got to remember that fundamentalist Islam isn't everyone, and that even someone as well known as the Ayatollah Khomeini does not speak for all Muslims, or even all Shias. In Islam, there is no priest or head honcho that gives orders that everyone must obey. Each Muslim is responsible for his/her relationship with God, and the way they get there varies widely. I'd be considered a heretic by Khomeini (hey, Sufis were recently arrested and tortured in Qom, Iran) because of my liberal Sufi views. Sufis are known to dance, to sing, and to play musical instruments. There's a big argument between Sufis and some fundamentalist Shia/Sunni over this-and guess what? It's based on interpretations of Hadiths and not the Qur'an.

Personally, I've yet to meet a dour Muslim-definately haven't met a dour Sufi.