Islam forbids a Muslim from laughing over the misfortunes befalling non-Muslims, because it is required of him not to nurture grudges or hatred against anyone, even if that particular person differs with him on religion. He just has to invoke Allah for his guidance.
So in a situation like this, we should not mix cards; we should try to draw lines between our condemnation of double-standard policy practiced by the US or the West in general towards the situation involving Muslims and our showing human concern towards afflictions that befall ordinary people who have nothing to do with decision-making in the country.
Sheikh `Atiyya Saqr, former head of Al-Azhar Fatwa Committee, on the issue of gloating over people’s afflictions such as death or any catastrophe states that: “Actually, death is the gravest affliction befalling all human beings, without exception. At times of distress, every Muslim is required to take what happens to others as some sort of admonition, and to show sympathy for whoever happens to be the victim, whether Muslim or non-Muslim. It’s reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) stood with respect at a funeral procession, and upon being told that it was for a Jew, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), replied: “Isn’t he a human being?”(Narrated by Bukhari and Muslim).
Also, in warning Muslims against feeling happy for disaster afflicting people, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Don’t be gloating over your brother’s misfortune, for Allah may grant him relief and make you suffer the same affliction.” (Narrated by At-Tirmidhi).
So it’s clear from the above that happiness over people’s misfortunes run counter to the principles of Islam and teachings of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) who despite the torture inflicted on him when visiting At-Ta`if, to call its people to Islam, he turned down the Angel Jibril’s plea to invoke Allah’s Wrath on them. Rather, Muhammad, the Prophet of mercy, said: “I wish Allah will bring forth from their offspring those who will worship Him, associating no partners unto Him.”
Besides, when Thumamah Ibn Aathaal levied some sort of food embargo on the Quraysh, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) didn’t consider it as a joyful occasion. Rather, he showed sympathy and even offered them food as aid.
By and large, gloating over people’s misfortunes is a trait of the hypocrites, as Allah says in the Qur’an: “If a lucky chance befall you, it is evil unto them, and if disaster strike you they rejoice thereat. But if ye persevere and keep from evil their guile will never harm you. Lo! Allah is Surrounding what they do.” (Al-Imran: 120)”