Humour in Islam
The code of Islam incorporates not only morals, worship, etiquette and spirituality, but also humour, fun and relaxation. Islam encourages us to be cheerful and optimistic. Smiling and engaging in light-hearted humour softens the hearts and fosters love. It may be a great way to diffuse any bad situation. It can thus also be an act of charity and worship. Fun, laughter and having a sense of humour are a mercy from God to assist us in facing different stages of life. The Qur`an states, “And that it is He who makes (one) laugh and weep.” Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) narrates that the laughter of the Prophet (peace be upon him) was a broad smile. He would never laugh out loudly (“LOL”) or with a full mouth but smile out quietly (SOQ) and only his front two teeth would be exposed on smiling. He smiled in abundance and brought a smile on the faces of others. A smile is thus a bounty from Allah and we must appreciate it and be grateful for it.
Engaging in light-hearted humour revives the soul and brings comfort and relaxation to it. Ali (R.A) said, “Try to bring pleasure to your hearts and engage in some light-hearted wit because hearts gets bored as bodies do.” Light-hearted wit is also among the practice of the Prophet and the pious predecessors. `Ataa (R.A) narrates, “Sa`id ibn Jubair (R.A) would narrate incidents reducing us to tears and at times he would not leave the gathering until he would make us laugh.” The Prophet (PBUH) would share with the companions in their humorous talks, laughs and jokes just as he shared with them in their sorrows and pains. The Prophet would similarly call some of his companions and wives with names expressing love and affection. He, for example, addressed Anas (R.A) as `Unais` (little boy Anas); Zainab (R.A) as Zuwainin (little Zainab); another companion as `Abu Hurairah` (the father of the kitten) due to his love for cats; and `Ali (R.A) as “Abu Turaab” (father of soil) when he saw him covered with dust lying in the Masjid. Similarly, he would sometimes address his wife ‘Aisha (R.A) with the names “Humairaa” (one with red/pink cheeks) and “‘Aa`ish” (an abbreviation of her name). There are numerous other stories and examples illustrating the humour of the Prophet and his companions.
However, the following rules should be considered when joking:
- Jokes and humorous talk should not offend or mock at any weakness in others. Similarly, it is not permissible to call a person with a nickname which denotes any offence, humiliation, resentment or indecent and hurtful meaning. The Qur`an states, “O believers, no people should laugh at other people, for they may be better than them … Nor should you mock one another or call each other (by insulting and derogatory) nicknames.”
- Jokes and laughs should be in moderation. Humour in talk should be like salt in food. The correct quantity of salt in food is essential to the taste. Thus, if the salt is less in the food, it will not be relished; and if it is too much, it will spoil the food.
- Joking and making people laugh should not become the objective and an obsession. Excessive laughter and amusement kills the spirituality of the heart. There is a time for this and a time for that.
- One should not deceive others or concoct any lies in order to make others laugh. Abu Huraira (R.A) narrates, “they said, `O Messenger of Allah, We find you keep a sense of humour with us`. He replied, `But I will only say the truth`”.
- It is not permissible to ridicule, even in a jokingly manner, any aspect or feature of the sharia. In fact, Islam prohibits us from laughing at, ridiculing or mocking any
- One`s humour should be free from slander and gossip and should not incorporate any such sinful elements that incite hatred or resentment from others. It is not permissible to scare or frighten anyone even as a joke. We must be mindful of people`s sensitivities. We must always think before we speak. Will my words bring joy and happiness to the person or cause insult, humiliation and harm? We must thus always ask ourselves first, “is this the correct time, place, topic and person to joke with?
A man asked Mr Nasruddin, tell me, who is your best friend?” Nasruddin replied, “My best friend is the person who will feed me the best.” The man said, “OK. I`ll feed you the best. Are you my best friend now?” Nasruddin replied, “Friendship cannot be granted on credit!” SOQ Another friend once asked Mr Nasruddin, “How does one become wise?” Nasruddin replied, “Listen attentively to wise people when they speak. And when someone is listening to you, listen attentively to what you are saying!” – Smile it, share it and shine out!
“There is a time for this and a time for that” May we live, die and be resurrected smiling. Ameen
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Posted in Uncategorised on 23rd Jan 2016 by Our Imam | 1468 Views
