Character & conductFrom the masjid's own video, Jul 4, 2026.
How to joke without harming others
“Never make somebody else's dignity the price of your laughter.”
In one sentence
Islam permits and can reward humor when it is truthful, compassionate, appropriately timed, and balanced with seriousness and remembrance of Allah.
The khutbah in 5 steps
- Islam balances joy and seriousness; laughter and smiling are lawful blessings.
- The Prophet joked truthfully and gently, using humor to lift hearts and build trust.
- Humor becomes harmful when it lies, mocks, humiliates, frightens, backbites, or ignores time, place, and audience.
- Healthy humor strengthens families and communities, while examples from the companions and Imam Abu Hanifa illustrate balance.
- Listeners are urged to smile more, joke truthfully, protect others’ dignity, and enjoy lawful fun without neglecting worship.
Try this week
Smile more.
Joke only with truth; do not lie, deceive, or invent stories.
Consider time, place, and audience before making a joke.
Never make another person’s dignity the price of your laughter.
Enjoy lawful fun without wasting time or neglecting worship.
Quotes
In the khateeb's words
“Sometimes the most Islamic thing you can do in a given situation is to make someone feel welcomed.”
“But Islam rewards compassion. To think before you speak, and to say something that will get you a reward.”
“Thirdly, never make somebody else's dignity the price of your laughter.”
Keep listening
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