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THE 53RD MEETING OF THE PERLIS STATE FATWA COMMITTEE / 2021

23 - 24 JUN 2021 / 12 - 13 ZULKAEDAH 1442H

FATWA CONCERNING JOKES AND PRANKS

1. The ruling on joking in general is originally permissible.

2. Contemporary forms of joking include pranks, caricatures, parodies, satire, comedy, and the like. They are subject to the original ruling of permissibility unless they contain elements contrary to the Shariah.

3. If it is intended to bring about goodness and is done in a good manner, such as for fostering closer relationships, effective education, or any good purpose, then it may bring reward.

4. However, it becomes prohibited if it contains the following elements:

i. Making mockery of the religion of Islam, whether from the aspect of belief, symbols or practices.

ii. Belittling and demeaning others in matters and forms that are improper.

iii. Fabricating something that does not exist that brings about harm.

iv. Causing harm to others physically, emotionally, in dignity, property, or personal/societal peace.

v. Acts of disobedience, sin and transgression.

vi. Language and conduct that are improper according to customary practice.

5. Society is also advised to prioritize the qualities of moderation, balance, and appropriateness as advocated in the religion, including in matters of joking.

Approval of the Members of the Perlis State Fatwa Committee:

1. YBhg. S.S Prof Madya Dato' Arif Perkasa Dr Mohd Asri Bin Zainul Abidin – Mufti of the State of Perlis

2. Sahibul Fadhilah Dato' Dr. Johari Bin Mat

3. Sahibul Fadhilah Profesor Dr. Basri bin Ibrahim

4. Sahibul Fadhilah Prof Madya Dr. Muhamad Rozaimi bin Ramle

5. Sahibul Fadhilah Dr. Hj Zaharuddin Bin Hj Abdul Rahman

6. Sahibul Fadhilah Prof. Madya Dr. Azman Bin Mohd Noor

7. Sahibul Fadhilah Prof Madya Dr. Mohd Akram Bin Dato' Dahaman @ Dahlan

8. Sahibul Fadhilah Dr. Kamilin Jamilin @ Ahmad Kamil Jamilin

9. Sahibul Fadhilah Dr Ahmad Sufian Bin Che Abdullah

10. Sahibul Fadhilah Prof Madya Dr Ahmad Wifaq Bin Mokhtar

11. Sahibul Fadhilah Ustaz Syed Abu Bakar Bin Syed Kamal Bharin

12. Ustaz Muhammad Khidhir Bin Abdul Ghani – Secretary

Endorsed at the Meeting of the Perlis Islamic Religious Council and Malay Customs (Majlis Agama Islam dan Adat Istiadat Melayu Perlis) Bil. 4/2021 on 14 September 2021.