❖ Are Jokes Mocking the Religion Forgivable? A Sharʿī Perspective ❖
Answer by: Fadhīlat al-Shaykh ʿAbd al-Wakīl Nāṣir حفظه الله
A widely circulated sentence on social media reads:
"I heard a Ḥāfiẓ can intercede for his whole family. Now I believe it—just look at the Sharif family; past and future sins all forgiven."
Does this fall under mockery of the religion? Is such a statement forgivable?
In today’s age, ignorance and lack of understanding of the religion are widespread. Atheism and irreligiosity have deeply infiltrated our society.
This type of statement, depending on intention and awareness, can be viewed from two angles:
If a sensible person made this statement without the intention to mock Islam, and perhaps out of carelessness or poor judgment, then:
✔ Correction and sincere advice are necessary.
✔ The person should be made aware of the seriousness of such speech, so they understand the gravity of their words and refrain from repeating them in the future.
If someone intentionally said such a statement to ridicule a religious belief, especially a concept related to the virtue of ḥuffāẓ (memorizers of the Qur’ān):
This becomes a grave offense and can fall under the category of mocking the religion, which is a major sin and possibly an act of disbelief (kufr) if not repented.
✔ Such a person must be urged to make immediate and sincere tawbah (repentance)
✔ So they may earn Allah’s mercy and be spared from further spiritual harm.
Muslims must be extremely cautious in what they say or share, especially in public or online spaces.
Seemingly casual remarks can carry grave consequences if they involve mockery of religious matters.
Answer by: Fadhīlat al-Shaykh ʿAbd al-Wakīl Nāṣir حفظه الله
❖ Question:
A widely circulated sentence on social media reads:
"I heard a Ḥāfiẓ can intercede for his whole family. Now I believe it—just look at the Sharif family; past and future sins all forgiven."
Does this fall under mockery of the religion? Is such a statement forgivable?
❖ Answer:
In today’s age, ignorance and lack of understanding of the religion are widespread. Atheism and irreligiosity have deeply infiltrated our society.
This type of statement, depending on intention and awareness, can be viewed from two angles:
❖ ① If Spoken Without Intention to Mock:
If a sensible person made this statement without the intention to mock Islam, and perhaps out of carelessness or poor judgment, then:
✔ Correction and sincere advice are necessary.
✔ The person should be made aware of the seriousness of such speech, so they understand the gravity of their words and refrain from repeating them in the future.
❖ ② If Spoken Deliberately with Intent to Mock:
If someone intentionally said such a statement to ridicule a religious belief, especially a concept related to the virtue of ḥuffāẓ (memorizers of the Qur’ān):
This becomes a grave offense and can fall under the category of mocking the religion, which is a major sin and possibly an act of disbelief (kufr) if not repented.✔ Such a person must be urged to make immediate and sincere tawbah (repentance)
✔ So they may earn Allah’s mercy and be spared from further spiritual harm.
❖ Final Advice:
Muslims must be extremely cautious in what they say or share, especially in public or online spaces.
Seemingly casual remarks can carry grave consequences if they involve mockery of religious matters.
