Role of Humor in Islam - Essay Example

It is not permissible for a Muslim to fear another Muslim who is even his brother in Islam.

It is not good for a group to scoff another group at their back especially by defaming, insulting, and taking nicknames. These characteristics are part of hypocrisy (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 33; Muslim, 59). One should not even express malicious joy towards one's brothers’ misfortune. Every Muslim is sacred to every other Muslim, his property, his blood, and his honor (Sahih Muslim).

This is even unusual for Muslims who need to have a serious attitude towards their actions. Therefore joking must be at an appropriate time and event.

Humor is a great way to diffuse a bad situation, or ease an uncomfortable one but it must be used appropriately. Just as a knife is vital in preparing food but it can also cause one to bleed. Likewise, some humor has sarcasm and rage thinly hidden in it.

Islam is a religion that promotes engagement in this life while keeping the hereafter in the notice. Accordingly, Islam permits Muslims to entertain themselves so that they could relax through permissible activities and sports. Nevertheless, the pursuit of such relaxation and pleasure should not take one away or neglect his religious and other obligatory duties. One must not even joke inappropriately.

Islamic Law outlines the boundaries of proper behavior concerning one's social interaction. For instance, the Muslim is not permissible to joke and laugh at other people’s values and honor.

As long as one follows the given parameters, humor, and joking becomes permissible in Islam. To get the exact idea of permissibility one should look at the word of the Quran and the way of the Prophet. Verily the best word is the word of the Holy Quran and the best way is the way of the Prophet.

It is clear that humor or jokes are permissible but one should understand the people and the situation before cracking jokes or playing pranks. Such as we learn from the way of the Prophet, who never use to kid around with all his acquaintances. Moreover, one must apologize if his joke has offended someone. Humor indeed is an excellent way to diffuse worry, uneasiness, or bad circumstances but even in such situations, one must care that words do not harm someone’s feelings.