Rulings in Joking
That is one of the things that nullify a person’s Islam.
Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“If you ask them (about this), they declare: ‘We were only
talking idly and joking.’ Say: ‘Was it at Allaah, and His Ayaat (proofs,
evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) and His Messenger
that you were mocking?’Make no excuse; you disbelieved after you had believed”
[al-Tawbah 9:65-66]
2 – The jokes should only be truthful.[al-Tawbah 9:65-66]
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)
said: “Woe to the one who tells lies to make people laugh, woe to him.”
(Narrated by Abu Dawood).
3 – Not scaring people
Especially those who are very energetic or strong, or who are
holding a weapon or a piece of iron, or who take advantage of the darkness
and people’s weakness to use that as a means of scaring and alarming them.
4 – Mocking people by winking behind their backs or making
snide remarks
People vary in their ability to understand things and in
their characters. Some weak people, those who like to make fun of others and
wink behind their backs or make snide remarks, may find a person to be an
object of fun for them and the butt of their jokes – Allaah forbid. Allaah
has forbidden such behaviour in the aayah (interpretation of the meaning):
“O you who believe! Let not a group scoff at another
group, it may be that the latter are better than the former. Nor let (some)
women scoff at other women, it may be that the latter are better than the
former. Nor defame one another, nor insult one another by nicknames. How bad
is it to insult one’s brother after having Faith”[al-Hujuraat 49:11]
5 – The jokes should not be excessive.
Some people joke too much and it becomes a habit for them.
This is the opposite of the serious nature which is the characteristic of
the believers. Joking is a break, a rest from ongoing seriousness and
striving; it is a little relaxation for the soul.
“The
kind of joking which is forbidden is that which is excessive and persistent,
for it leads to too much laughter and hardening of the heart, it distracts
from remembrance of Allaah, and it often leads to hurt feelings, generates
hatred and causes people to lose respect and dignity.
6 – Acknowledging people’s status
Some people may joke with everyone indiscriminately, but
scholars and the elderly have rights, so you have to be aware of the
character of the person with whom you are dealing. You should not joke with
ignorant people, fools or people whom you do not know.
7 – The amount of joking should be like the amount of salt in one’s food.
“Whoever laughs too much or jokes too much loses respect, and whoever
persists in doing something will be known for it.” So beware of joking, for it “causes a person to lose face
after he was thought of as respectable, and it brings him humiliation after
esteem.”
8 – It should not involve backbiting.
This is a foul sickness. Some people think that they can talk
about others, and say that this is by way of joking, but it is included in
the hadeeth of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him),
“[Backbiting is] your mentioning about your brother something that he
dislikes.” (Narrated by Muslim)
9 – Choosing appropriate times for joking.
9 – Choosing appropriate times for joking.
Such as when you are taking a trip in the countryside, or
attending a party in the evening, or when meeting a friend, you may relax
and enjoy some gentle anecdotes, nice stories or light jokes, in order to
generate friendship and instill happiness in the heart; or when family
problems are taking their toll and one of the spouses is angry, some gentle
joking may relieve the tension and cheer people up.
O Muslim,
A man said to Sufyaan ibn ‘Uyaynah (may Allaah be pleased
with him), “Joking is not right, it is to be denounced.” He replied, “Rather
it is Sunnah, but only for those who know how to do it and do it at the
appropriate time.”
Nowadays, although the ummah needs to increase the love
between its individual members and to relieve itself of boredom, it has gone
too far with regard to relaxation, laughter and jokes. This has become a
habit which fills their gatherings and wastes their time, so their lives are
wasted and their newspapers are filled with jokes and trivia.
Muslim men and women have to be inclined to choose righteous
and serious friends in their lives, who will help them to make good use of
their time and strive for the sake of Allaah with seriousness and
steadfastness, good and righteous people whose example they can follow. 
So you have to follow the example of such people, who were
knights by day and monks (i.e., devoted worshippers) by night. May Allaah keep us, you and our parents safe on the Day of
the Greatest Terror.
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