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Humour in Islam, is an accepted tradition dating back to the Islamic prophet Muhammad.
Contents
Classical treatise
Al Jihaz wrote a ‘Treatise on seriousness and playfulness.’ Ibn Qutaybah observed that early Muslims did not dislike joking. Writing in his Akhbar al hamqa ("History of Fools") the classical scholar Ibn al-Jawzi commented, "Humor serves as a much needed natural relaxation, and is approved for this purpose by may statements of Prophet Muhammad and the early Muslims."
Acceptance
Since 9/11, there has been an increase in the number of Muslim comedians and humor festivals. Prominent Muslim comedians include Azhar Usman, Ahmed Ahmed, Dean Obeidallah an numerous others. Azhar Usman blames the media for misrepresenting humor in Islam. "The fact is that within Muslim culture there is a strong tradition of storytelling, joking and laughing. The relationship between Islam and comedy goes to the roots of the religion." However, American comedian Mohammed Amer, asserts that it is Muslims who have made a “terrible job” of communicating with the outside world.
In 2017, in response to the "Real Housewives of ISIS", a parody of "Real Housewives" broadcast by BBC2 show Revolting, there was widespread outrage and hilarity on the idea on Facebook.
Opposition
Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Khomeini once stated that there were no jokes in Islam.