The Ruling on Joking and Making Remarks About Relatives in Recreational Centers and Elsewhere

Question:
May Allah reward you. Honorable Shaykh, we received a message or question from one of the brothers. He says: I often make remarks about my relatives, especially during trips and when we go to recreational centers, and I joke with them and mock them, as well as those I am responsible for. I have tried to get rid of this because I know that it hurts them. Am I to be held accountable for this joking, even though it is innocent?

Answer:
Yes, excessive joking is prohibited. A little joking, provided one does not say anything but the truth, is permissible, just as the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to joke but never said anything but the truth. So a little joking that contains no lying is permissible, because this is part of making people’s hearts happy and being sociable. However, if a person’s profession is joking and making people laugh, that is prohibited and not permissible. Yes.