Q: What is the ruling on joking in Islam? Does it come under the idle speech, knowing that it is not making fun of the religion? Please advise us, may Allah reward you!
A: There is nothing wrong with humorous talk and joking, if it is truthful, especially if it is not done a great deal. The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to joke but he never said anything but the truth. However, if it involves telling lies, then it is not permissible, because the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Woe to the one who speaks and lies in order to make people laugh; woe to him, woe to him." (Related by Abu Dawud, AlTirmidhy, and AlNasa'y with a good Sanad (chain of narrators).