By Deana Nassar
One subject which is covered a lot in the media and in life in general is the non-existence of a sense of humour among Muslims or the lack thereof.
As a practicing Muslim, I would like to concur that, in reality, Muslims have everything including a sense of humour, just like any other people. Islam is not only a religion, it’s a way of life which encompasses every aspect of it including; yes; humour.
We just need to open our hearts and minds to understand this great religion’s meaning and culture. For certain you will find that Muslims like a good joke just as much as the next person. Islam isn’t a rigid, oppressive force but a way of living and comedy is part of that. It’s good for the heart and the spirit.
The Sunnah of joking
It’s only natural that we are all drawn to people with a good sense of humour since it has the power of warming people’s hearts. Like no other human characteristic, humour, provides a welcome break amidst the pressures of life.
There is even evidence that humour and jokes are supported in Islam. We learn this from several of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) teachings where it is narrated that Abu Hurairah said to the Prophet (PBUH):
“O Prophet of Allah, you are joking with us.”
He said: “I only say what is true.” (At-Tirmidhi)
And again, we see that joking in fact is encouraged, as when Sufyan ibn Aiyna was asked:
“Is joking prohibited?”
He replied: “It is a Sunnah, but the point is that it must be done appropriately”.
One story relays: An old woman came to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and said: “O Messenger of God, pray that I will enter Paradise.”
He said jokingly: “O Mother of So-and-so, no old women will enter Paradise.”
The old woman went away crying, so the Prophet (PBUH) said: “Tell her that she will not enter Paradise as an old woman but as a young and pure woman whereas he cited from the Quran: {We have created their companions of special creation, and made them virgin-pure and undefiled.}
Sometimes, in our attempts to humour others, one can fall into the trap of lying by exaggerating or telling false tales, however we should remember it is forbidden to lie in Islam. Don’t forget Islam instructs us to be truthful even in making people laugh.
Unlike some modern scholars who choose to not smile while speaking, we have been taught that smiling is a Sunnah as the Prophet (PBUH) himself was constantly seen smiling. He also taught us that smiling in the face of our brother is charity. This is a fine example of conduct and his joyful nature is reflected again when He raced with his wife Aisha and joked about when Aisha won the first time and He won the next time they raced.
Etiquette of Humour
Many scholars oppose the notion that Islam prohibits laughter and humour and in fact have made many lessons enjoyable by adopting a free and easy approach while teaching and advising us. I personally have downloaded many lessons both in English and Arabic by these teachers and for me their approach has been both informative and enjoyable to watch and hear.
Embracing Islam does not require us to give up laughing. On the contrary being able to laugh at yourself and at funny situations is one of the things that make this life so enjoyable, and we, as Muslims, are not exempt from this feeling.
There’s nothing better than having a good laugh, but people erroneously seem to have this impression that Muslims and comedy don’t go together; that somehow we can’t reconcile humour with our faith.
In fact it is related that Umar (a companion) said: “I admire a man who is like a child with his family, meaning that he is playful, and once he leaves them, he is more serious.”
It has been reported by Thabit ibn Ubaid (another companion) once said that Zayd ibn Thabit was one of the most humorous men in his home. Outside of his home, he was as serious as any man.
According to the great scholar and Imam Al Nawawi: “Joking is prohibited only when it is excessive and consistent. It is explained that if joking becomes ineffective it causes the heart to harden and will distract a person from both worship of God and concern with religious issues and worldly affairs. Understandably, too much may cause needless harm, envy and disrespect.
The general rule of thumb is to observe we don’t go overboard and forget the protocols of humour. We should not be so excessive in our laughter or joking that we lose sight of reality. Moreover it is significant that we understand and acknowledge the difference between mocking and joking, and between laughing at someone and laughing with someone.
As previously mentioned, joking should not deviate from the truth and should not become consistent in a person’s manner, for seriousness at times is also a virtue of good practicing Muslims.
Nonetheless, smiling, joking, relaxing and laughing are certainly welcome at appropriate times and places. At times of work though, seriousness is called for. Furthermore, the issues of Islam are more significant than to be dealt with jokingly.
Other Companions
While this is important, it is true that the Prophet’s companions in fact saw nothing wrong with joking or having fun, as they saw the Prophet (PBUH), their leader and teacher, often doing so. The many stories about their sense of humour reflect the easy-going nature of the first Islamic society, and how far removed it was from the narrow-mindedness and gloom sometimes depicted today.
A narration reflecting the importance of balance in our lives is that of Abu Bakr Al Siddiq, who met his friend Hanzala in the market and confessed to Abu Bakr that he felt like a hypocrite and explained that when he was with the Prophet (PBUH) he would remember God and the Hereafter; but when he would leave his companionship his wife, children and business would occupy his mind.
Abu Bakr confessed that he did the same, and the two companions approached the Prophet (PBUH) and spoke of their situation. Setting their minds at ease and illustrating the simplicity and beauty of Islam, the Prophet (PBUH) explained that if their state of mind remains the same as in his presence and they are always busy in remembrance of God the angels would be shaking their hands.
This indicates that a Muslim is encouraged and a Muslim is endorsed to remain jovial and at ease with his/her family, friends and acquaintances when it is appropriate to do so, without going to extremes or saying anything hurtful so long as humour is within the limits of Islamic tolerance, and does not go beyond the bounds of truth.
Similarly, a Muslim is discouraged when being serious to go to extremes of harshness and strictness. For sure Islam is a religion which sanctions reason and sensibility in all our actions.
It may help to stick to guidelines in an effort to remain courteous while joking. Some pointers to remember include the timing of the joke, the topic and the person to whom we feel free with while joking. We also shouldn’t criticise while joking; after all it’s only funny and appropriate when all present can join in the fun. It is also better not to joke with someone when you meet for the first time.
And last but not least remember to demonstrate respect to the person you are joking with. The Prophet (PBUH) was particular with this and one story relays that He told a man he was joking with: “In the eyes of Allah you are great.”
A conscientious effort must be made to maintain a careful Muslim code of behaviour where we should never harm another person through humiliation or insensitivity. The aforementioned stories and reports are an obvious indication of the lightheartedness and sense of humour that Islam wants us, as its followers, to adopt. No need to assume a morbid and depressing temperament, our Prophet (PBUH) possessed none of these.
This humour and cheerfulness in fact make a person good-natured and likeable, which will enable him/her to win people’s hearts. Bear in mind that no other person needs such characteristics more than the Muslim who seeks to call others to Islam.
Remember humour is encouraged in Islam as long as it doesn’t create hatred and is not blasphemous against any religion or is unnecessarily cruel; it has a place and in fact is welcomed.
(Deana Nassar is a
published writer.)
www.onislam.net
