The Shar‘i Ruling on Joking or Making Light in Supplication (Du‘āʼ)
Question:If someone uses humorous or joking language in du‘ā—for example, instead of praying for his own marriage, a boy asks Allah for a daughter-in-law for his mother, and as a result, his brother gets married. Or someone jokingly prays, “O Allah, grant me a new mother-in-law” (in reference to a second marriage)—does this amount to mocking du‘ā? What is the Shar‘i position on such joking behavior?
Answer by: Fadhīlat al-Shaykh ʿAbd al-Wakīl Nāṣir ḥafiẓahullāh❖ Duʿāʼ Demands Seriousness and Reverence
Making du‘ā is a form of worship, and it requires adab (etiquette), sincerity, and respect. Treating it with levity or jest can violate its sanctity.
❶ Severe Warning Against Mockery in Worship
◈ If a person intends to mock du‘ā or any act of worship, it is considered a grave sin and unacceptable in Sharīʿah.
◈ The Qur’ān sternly warns against those who make mockery of Allah, His verses, or His Messenger ﷺ:
قُلْ أَبِاللَّهِ وَآيَاتِهِ وَرَسُولِهِ كُنْتُمْ تَسْتَهْزِئُونَ لَا تَعْتَذِرُوا قَدْ كَفَرْتُمْ بَعْدَ إِيمَانِكُمْ
(Surah al-Tawbah: 65–66)
Translation:
"Say, was it Allah, His signs, and His Messenger you were mocking? Make no excuse; you have disbelieved after your belief."
❷ Investigation of Intent Is Crucial
◈ If a person is truly mocking the act of worship or divine matters, serious admonition is required.
◈ However, if the joke is made out of ignorance, forgetfulness, or without ill intent, then the matter should be dealt with gently, and the person should be guided with wisdom.
❸ Avoidance of Hypothetical or Pointless Questions
◈ If such examples are merely hypothetical and serve no real purpose, then this too is discouraged in Sharī‘ah.
◈ Islam emphasizes avoiding frivolous and unnecessary inquiries.
❹ Difference Between Joking and Mockery in Duʿāʼ
◈ If the humorous du‘ā does not involve mockery of worship or the verses of Allah, it may be regarded as non-serious behavior or lack of knowledge, rather than outright disrespect.
◈ Nonetheless, du‘ā should always be made with dignity, seriousness, and presence of heart, as it is a direct conversation with Allah.
Final Verdict:
✔ If the joke contains mockery of Allah, His religion, or acts of worship:
→ This is a serious sin and completely unacceptable.
✔ If it stems from ignorance or forgetfulness without mockery:
→ Correction and education are needed with gentleness and wisdom.
✔ Hypothetical and non-serious questions should be avoided, as they violate the decorum of religion.
