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Joking

Author: 'Allaamah Shaikh 'Abdul 'Azeez ibn Baaz

Source: www.islamqa.com

Published: Saturday 25th July, 2015


Question: Assalamu alaikum. What is the ruling concerning joking? Is it considered useless and vain speech? Note that it does not contain any ridiculing of the religion. Jazakum allah alf Khair.

Answer: Praise be to Allaah.

Wa ‘alaykum al-salaam wa rahmat-Allaahi wa barakaatuhu.

There is no harm in joking by words and anecdotes, if they are truthful and real, especially if it is not done often. The Prophet (صلى الله علیه وسلم) used to joke but he would only speak the truth. If it is with lying, then it is not allowed. The Prophet (صلى الله علیه وسلم) said,

"Woe to the one who speaks and tells a lie in order to make the people laugh at it. Woe to him. Then again, woe to him."


This was recorded by Abu Dawud, al-Tirmidhi and al-Nasal with a good chain.