Author: Mohajer Azizi
Personable Muslim (11th part)
The extent of jokes in Islam
The religion of Islam has set a limit and a framework in the way of interactions of a person, in which the chastity, character, and dignity of a person will be protected. If a person transgresses the prescribed framework and limits and steps beyond it, it will cause a breach and defect in his dignity and personality.
One of the things that people don’t pay proper attention to today and have left themselves free in that relationship is jokes and useless jokes.
Humor destroys the dignity and personality of a person, and dear Islam warns against anything that undermines the dignity, position, and personality of a person. “«عن عمر بن الخطاب رضياللهعنه: من كثر مزاحه استخف به.»” It is narrated on the authority of Umar bin Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him, that he said: Whoever increases his joke, it will become lighter (Depersonalize) with it.” عن جعفر بن محمد قال: «إياكم والمزاح، فإنه يذهب ببهاء الرجل، ويطفئ نوره.: “It is narrated from Jafar bin Muhammad that he said: Beware of [too much and pointless] jokes because it destroys the value and dignity of a person and extinguishes his light.”
We don’t seek to take smiles, happiness, and good humor from others. Of course, moderation is a good thing in everything; moderation, and healthiness should not be forgotten in joking. As the Prophet, peace be upon him, said: “Don’t laugh too much! Laughing too many kills the heart.” In this hadith, what was forbidden was the excess and exaggeration of laughter, not the originality of laughter. It was narrated from Ali bin Abi Talib, may Allah be pleased with him, that he said: “use humor as the same amount as salt is needed for food.”
In other hadiths, there is a limit for joking, some of which are mentioned below:
1. Do not lie in jokes:
The Messenger of Allah, Peace Be Upon Him, said: «ویل للذِی یُحدِّثُ بالحدیث لیُضْحِکَ به القوم، فیَکذِبُ، ویل له، ویل له» “Woe to that person who tells lies to make people laugh. Woe to him, woe to him. No case has occurred at all; but a person tells lies to make people laugh. This makes it easy and light for the person who commits the great sin of lying.
2. Jokes should not frighten anyone:
” The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said: “It is not permissible for a Muslim to scare his Muslim brother. Such jokes are very popular in our society. With all kinds of devices and toys, from artificial snakes to very ugly masks and even scary stories, they scare someone and say that we are joking; but unaware of the physical, mental, and nervous pressures that are put on that person and may even cause the person’s illness and bother him throughout his life. Who is guilty and responsible here?
3. We have no right to take or hide someone’s property as a joke:
The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said: “No one has the right to take his brother’s belongings, either jokingly or seriously.” Therefore, people’s personal belongings, such as mobile phones, shoes, slippers, etc., should not be taken away and cause him trouble. As they narrate: one of the greats of Arab literature has said that (المزاح مقدمة الشر) (joke is the introduction of evil). However, it can be said that one should never overdo the use of jokes. Because they believe that excessive joking allows others to be arrogant in front of you, which in itself indicates the loss of the joker’s awe.
In summary:
1. Lies and slander should not be mixed in jokes.
2. Do not cause resentment and annoyance to the other side, because hurting the heart and lowering a person’s character in the assembly is a very unmanly and forbidden act.
3. You should not joke about other people’s flaws, deficiencies, and weaknesses; This is forbidden.
4. A joke must be appropriate to the parliament; otherwise, it will cause the breakdown and loss of dignity and character.
5. A joke should not go beyond the limits of moderation; otherwise, it will lead to fight and resentment, etc.
6. Whenever we want to joke with someone, put ourselves in the other side’s place, can we tolerate it?
7. In a joke, one should not force someone to do something by force and reluctance; this is actually considered oppression for him;
8. Before joking, you should respect the position of the other party;
9. Joking with illegitimate women and girls is not correct in any way; this should be verified;
10. Do not use forbidden or impolite words in jokes.
