Islamic Perspective on Humour and Its Boundaries: The Ethics of Humour in Islam

By Kaniz Fatma, New Age Islam 27 January 2025 The Ethics of Humour in Islam Main Points: 1. Humour in Islam: Islam permits humour within ethical boundaries to enhance joy and social bonds. 2. Prophet's Example: Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) engaged in humour, always truthful and respectful, setting a model for Muslims. 3. Forbidden Humour: Mockery, ridicule, and harmful language are strictly prohibited in Islam and can damage relationships. 4. Repentance: If humour causes harm, Muslims must seek forgiveness from Allah and those affected, ensuring respectful interactions in the future. ---- Humour is an inherent part of human nature, providing a sense of joy, laughter, and relaxation. It allows individuals to bond with each other and alleviates the stress of daily life. In Islam, humour is acknowledged as a natural inclination of human beings, but with certain boundaries and restrictions in line with Islamic teachings. It is important to understand the Islamic perspective on humour to ensure that it aligns with the principles of respect, kindness, and decency while also avoiding harm or offense to others. The Importance of Humour in Islam Islam is a natural religion that understands and accommodates human emotions and needs. Humour, like many other aspects of life, is permitted as long as it does not deviate from the ethical and moral standards set by Allah. It brings joy, strengthens relationships, and creates an atmosphere of camaraderie. However, humour taken to extremes, or used inappropriately, can be harmful, divisive, and hurtful. On the other hand, an absence of humour can also be detrimental, making a person dry, overly serious, and lacking the warmth that is needed to connect with others. In Islamic teachings, the concept of balance is paramount. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is an exemplary figure who embodied the balanced approach to humour. His actions and sayings reflect how humour should be practiced in a manner that fosters love and affection, while also ensuring that it does not cross into areas of harm, mockery, or disrespect. The Prophet’s Humour: An Example for Muslims The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is considered a role model for all aspects of life. His approach to humour provides valuable lessons on how to engage in light-hearted interactions without crossing the boundaries of propriety. The Prophet would engage in humour, but his humour was always grounded in truth and was never designed to harm or insult anyone. His humour was gentle, wise, and full of affection. It was never aimed at belittling anyone or causing emotional or physical harm. For instance, it is narrated by Abu Huraira (RA) that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: “I do not say anything except the truth.” Some of his companions (may Allah be pleased with them) remarked, "O Messenger of Allah, you joke with us," and he replied, "I only speak the truth, even in humour." (Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Musnad, 2: 340, no. 8462, Cairo: Dar al-Qurṭuba) This statement illustrates that even in moments of humour, the Prophet (PBUH) ensured that his words were truthful and did not harm others. This is a critical lesson for Muslims, showing that humour should be truthful and free from falsehood or exaggeration. The Boundaries of Humour in Islam While humour is encouraged in Islam as a source of joy and connection, there are clear boundaries that must be respected. These boundaries ensure that humour does not cause harm or division. Humour should never be used to mock, ridicule, or belittle others, as this is forbidden in Islam. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11), Allah addresses the issue of mocking and ridiculing others: “O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them. And let not women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not defame one another or call each other by offensive nicknames. Woe to those who practice defamation and ridicule after their faith. And whoever does not repent—those are the wrongdoers.” (Surah Al-Hujurat, 49:11) This verse explicitly forbids mocking or ridiculing others, as such actions may lead to division and harm. Allah reminds believers that the people they ridicule may be better than them, and such behaviour is not acceptable. Furthermore, calling others offensive names or slandering them is strongly condemned. This verse sets a clear guideline for how humour should be practiced in a respectful and considerate manner. Additionally, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also provided guidance on how humour should be conducted. In a narration from Sunan Tirmidhi, he said: “Do not quarrel with your brother, do not joke with him to make him angry, and do not make a promise to him and break it.” (Tirmidhi, Sunan, Book: Al-Birr wa al-Silah, Chapter: What was said about argumentation, 4:359) This hadith highlights the importance of not using humour to cause anger or resentment. Humour should not be used as a tool for teasing or upsetting others. It should never involve breaking promises or making others feel disrespected. The goal of humour in Islam is to promote positivity, unity, and joy, not division or distress. The Harmful Aspects of Humour Islam teaches that humour should not include harmful elements such as mockery, ridicule, or offensive language. It is prohibited to use humour to humiliate others, belittle their dignity, or make fun of their weaknesses. This kind of humour leads to emotional harm and can damage relationships, which goes against the Islamic principles of kindness and respect. Humour that involves mocking people’s appearances, abilities, or beliefs is considered sinful. Similarly, using humour to degrade a person’s honour or reputation is prohibited in Islam. The Qur’an warns against making fun of people because it can lead to feelings of inferiority and cause harm to their self-esteem. For example, making fun of someone's physical features or mental abilities is a form of disrespect and is against Islamic ethics. Furthermore, using offensive language, curse words, or engaging in vulgar humour is also not permissible. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) discouraged the use of profanity or obscene language, and this applies to humour as well. The primary goal of humour in Islam is to uplift people, not to degrade or cause discomfort. Seeking Forgiveness for Harmful Humour If a person realizes that their humour has caused harm or hurt feelings, it is important for them to seek forgiveness from Allah. If the person who was harmed is still alive, the individual should apologize and seek their forgiveness. Islam emphasizes the importance of mending relationships and ensuring that no one is hurt by the words or actions of others. In cases where the person who was harmed has passed away, the matter is left to Allah. However, it is important to reflect on one’s actions and strive to avoid causing harm through humour in the future. Repentance and seeking forgiveness for past mistakes are essential steps in ensuring that one’s actions align with the principles of Islam. Conclusion In conclusion, humour holds an important place in Islam as a means of bringing joy, fostering positive relationships, and promoting a sense of community. However, it is essential to recognize that humour in Islam must be respectful, truthful, and free from harm. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) set an example by engaging in humour that was grounded in truth and did not cause offense. Humour that mocks, ridicules, or humiliates others is prohibited in Islam, and Muslims are encouraged to avoid such behaviour. Humour should always be used to uplift others, bring about happiness, and strengthen bonds, rather than to tear others down or create division. By adhering to the boundaries set by Islam, Muslims can enjoy the benefits of humour while maintaining respect, dignity, and kindness in their interactions with others. ----- Kaniz Fatma is a classic Islamic scholar and a regular columnist for New Age Islam. 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