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 (peace be upon him) used to joke
but he would only speak the truth. If it is with lying, then it is not allowed. The
Prophet (peace be upon him) 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.
Source: Shaikh ibn Baz
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