Critical Analysis of Seemingly Contradictory Narratives of "Humor"

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

1 PH.D Student in Islamic knowledge & culture and communication Science at the University of Imam Sadegh

2 Associate Professor in Islamic knowledge & culture and communication Science at the University of Imam Sadegh

3 M.A. graduated Islamic knowledge & culture and communication Science at the University of Imam Sadegh

Abstract

Humor is a common act of communication in our daily life. Today, there is a great deal of studies on the significance of happiness in mental and physical processes; hence the necessity of humor as one of its paradigm. This paper argues Islamic perception of humor and whether it is recommended or prohibited by the comprehensive outlook of Islam towards human life. Juridical books have discussed humor sporadically and mentioned its aftermath in other aspects, yet the discussion of humor as a unique subject of study has been overlooked in the field. This issue is more evident when the outward and primary meanings of several hadiths contradict with each other. On the one hand, humor is seen in the Sunnah and is recommended by Shiite Imams, on the other hand, in other ahadith, humor is prohibited and several negative results are mentioned.
This paper aims to define Islamic view of humor and draw a theoretical model of humor based on ahadith. The findings demonstrate that humor itself is recommended in Islam and what makes it prohibited is either to commit a sin by humor or to use it excessively. In other words, Islam decries sinful and excessive employment of humor. Finally, the paper argues the origin and positive aspects of humor and explores examples of sinful and excessive use of humor as well as its misapplications.

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