Joking and Laughing

You may be thinking what does joking and laughing have to do with Islam? Well like we have covered previously, Islam has etiquette and guidelines for every aspect of life.

Joking – For and Against

Ahadith which encourage joking:

Abu Hurayrah (RA) narrates that Prophet (SAW) was told:

“Oh Prophet of A—h, you are joking with us!” He (SAW) replied, “I only say what is true” (Tirmidhi) 

Similarly, Ibn Abaas (RA) said:

“Joking appropriately is permissible, for the Prophet (SAW) joked but he said that which was true”.

It is also related that Ibn Abaas (RA) asked some of his guests to have light and humorous conversation so that they would have a good time and not feel bored.

Samaak ibn Harb once asked Jabir ibn Samra if he spent time with the Prophet (SAW) and he replied, “Yes, the Prophet (SAW) would often not leave the mosque after the Fajr prayer until the sun rose. The Sahaabah would be laughing and the Prophet (SAW) would be smiling.(Muslim)

Other Ahadith state that the Prophet (SAW) would often play and joke with small children. For example, Anas (RA) narrates that a young brother of his had a small bird which he would often play with, which died. The Prophet (SAW) jokingly said “Ya Aba Umayr, what happened to your bird?”

Umar ibn al Khataab (RA) said: “I admire a man who is like a child with his family (is playful) and once he leaves them, he is more serious.”

Thabit ibn Ubayd (RA) said: Zaid ibn Thabit (RA) was one of the most humorous men is his home. Outside of his home, he was as serious as any man”.

Ahadith which discourage joking:

Muawiyah ibn al Jaydah al Quraishi (RA) narrates that Prophet (SAW) said:

“Woe to him who says things, speaking falsely to make people laugh. Woe to him! Woe to him!” (Abu Dawood) 

The Prophet (SAW) has also said:

“Do not be vague with others and do not joke” (Tirmidhi)

Another Hadith states:

“Everything has a beginning and hostility begins with joking”

Jafar ibn Muhammad (RH) said: “Beware of joking for it causes embarrassment”

Ibrahim al Nakhai (RH) said: “Joking shows foolishness and arrogance”

Imam ibn Abdul Bar (RH) said: “Some of the scholars denounced joking for what it causes of offences, spite and malice between people”

So how can we combine these two points of opinion?

It is evident that joking is beneficial; it is entertaining and can lighten burdens. Humour can bring people closer together; take them from sadness to a state of happiness, calm tense situations and put people at ease.

However joking defeats this purpose if done with the intent to cause harm other people and cause friction/separation between them. It also is so when Islamic laws are broken e.g. when a person lies, joking at other people whether that is at a characteristic that they possess or at a defect within them.

A person must not joke around excessively; it is frowned upon. Imam Nawawi (RH) said: “Joking is prohibited when it is excessive or consistent. It becomes ineffective and causes the heart to harden. It distracts a person from worship of A—h and concern with religious issues. It often causes harm, envy and disrespect. If these elements are absent from a joke then this is permissible. The Prophet (SAW) would use humour to reach people and draw them together.

Sufyaan ibn Uyayna (RH) was asked: “Is joking prohibited?” He replied: “It is a Sunnah, but must be done appropriately”

Two types of joking:

According to Ibn Hayaan (RH), there are two types of joking;

The first is defined as ‘that which is permitted by A—h, in which no sin is committed and that does not lead to separation between people’

The second is defined as ‘that which causes hostility between people and sadness, it creates disrespect amongst people’

And three types of laughing:

Ulama have categorised laughing into three types. The first two are permitted and the third is disliked.

At Tabassum: Smiling

Ad Dhahik: Laughing lightly

Al Qahqahah: Laughing aloud

Guidelines for humour:

·         Joking should not deviate from the truth

·         It should not become consistent in a person’s character, for seriousness is also a virtue.

·         Bad language must be avoided

·         Improper topics of conversation should not be the subject of jokes

·         Joking must be done at the appropriate time and place, with the appropriate people

·         Joking must not humiliate, criticise or hurt others

·         Beware of excessive joking with certain individuals

·         Show respect to the people you are joking with

·         Maintain good behaviour with the people who make a mistake when they are joking with you. Do not give them dirty looks or answer back harshly or stare at them

·         One should not feel compelled to make jokes if they do not come naturally to you

·         Monitor yourself when you are feeling humorous

Joking is like adding salt to food. It must be measured and we must remember that some people do not like salty food (i.e. they do not take jokes very well). If someone is naturally serious and dislikes joking, we should take that into consideration.

It has been said:

“Do not joke with children to the extent that they lose respect for you”.

Remember that a knife is useful and necessary to prepare food, but it can also cause you to bleed. In the same way, humour should be used in the right way, ensuring that our actions do not trouble others or make trouble for ourselves (in this world or the Hereafter).

May the Almighty give us the ability to act upon the Sunnats we have learnt today and to be mindful of others especially during times of intense joy..Ameen..