SHAH ALAM - Joking is encouraged in Islam but humour without limits, such as pretending to cheat on your wife as a prank is not permissible.
Perlis Mufti Datuk Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin said it was only permissible and even encouraged so long as it does not have bad effects on any relationship among Muslims and does not lead to sin.
Posted on the Perlis Mufti department, he said according to an authentic Hadith, it said that the Prophet Muhammad SAW encouraged Jabir ‘Abd Allah to joke around with their spouse when they can as it brings her laughter, joy, and allows the husband and wife to become more intimate with each other.
However, Mohd Asri quoted al-Imam al-Nawawi, who said that jokes that may cause misunderstandings or bring about feelings of hatred, fear, makes one feel degraded or insulted, is not permissible in Islam.
"Know that the jokes that are forbidden are those that go beyond the limits and continue (to be told or done).
"This is because it causes laughter and hard-heartedness, and takes your attention away from what truly matters, like remembering Allah and being true to your religion.
"It also in many cases leads to hurting others, causing resentment, undermining self -esteem and composure.
"As for jokes that are safe from such things then it should be (permissible), which the Messenger of Allah did infrequently for the purpose of a particular benefit, in order to make the listener happy and persuaded.
"This is not forbidden at all. In fact, it is a preferred sunnah if (applies) to that nature,” the quote said.
Mohd Asri said for example, some types prank that seems harmless but is not permissible as it causes panic and fear happened when the companions and the Prophet Muhammad SAW walked past a group of people trying to wake a sleeping man up by taking away his rope.
Another would be the new trend that has recently gone viral on social media, where people would pretend that they were having an affair just to see how their spouses would react.
"It does not bring any good to the marital relationship and can even damage the relationship between the couple. It also undermines the authority of the husband or wife and can give rise to suspicion which is forbidden by Syaria law.
"Deliberately causing people to think badly of themselves is sinful because deliberately causing others to sin,” Mohd Asri added, insisting that it was best for everyone to avoid playing such pranks.