Faculty of Tarbiyah and Teacher Training – Talking about “pranks,” guys! So, “prank” actually means a joke or jest, but recently it’s often understood as a joke designed to look serious, though it’s just a trick. The aim is usually to make the person being pranked feel shocked, surprised, or embarrassed. Alma Ata University could be an interesting place to delve deeper into trends and cultural phenomena like pranking, as well as understand its impact on the social dynamics of modern society.
However, it’s important to remember that pranking shouldn’t be done recklessly, especially if it makes others feel humiliated or embarrassed. In Islam, actions like these are considered inappropriate and can fall into the category of sins, whether minor or major. So, we need to distinguish between harmless jokes and those that can hurt others. Pranking should also use common sense, ensuring that the freedom of expression doesn’t become a problem or hurt others.
As Muslims, it’s important to understand the secrets of the law on pranking in Islam. Engaging in actions that degrade or hurt others is not what Islam teaches. Therefore, we need to be wise in understanding the boundaries and ethics set by Islam regarding various actions, including pranking.
There have been many cases of “pranks” causing unrest and embarrassment in society. For instance, disguising as ghosts or monsters and then uploading it to YouTube. As a result, society becomes uneasy and embarrassed because of such inappropriate behavior. According to Al-Ghazali in his book Ihya’ Ulumuddin, it is mentioned:
“آفة الحادية عشر السخرية والاستهزاء وهذا محرم مهما كان مؤذياً كما قال تعالى ‘يا أيها الذين آمنوا لا يسخر قوم من قوم عسى أن يكونوا خيراً منهم ولا نساء من نساء عسى أن يكن خيراً منهن’ ومعنى السخرية الاستهانة والتحقير والتنبيه على العيوب والنقائص على وجه يضحك منه.”
Translation: The eleventh disease is mocking and ridiculing others, and this is forbidden because it can sometimes hurt others. Allah says: “O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them. Nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them.” The meaning of mocking is to disdain and belittle others and to highlight their faults in a way that makes others laugh at them. (Ihya, vol. 2, page: 328)
“إن الصغيرة التبسم بالاستهزاء بالمؤمن، والكبيرة القهقهة بذلك. وهذه إشارة إلى أن الضحك على الناس من جملة الذنوب والكبائر.”
Translation: Minor sins include smiling mockingly at a believer, and major sins include laughing out loud at them. This indicates that laughing at others is a sin, even a major sin.
Moreover, there are examples of sins that can arise from laughing at someone due to their accidental actions, like passing gas. This is inappropriate, guys, especially if the intention is to belittle someone. As young Muslims, we need to understand the secrets of the law on pranking in Islam. Even though it seems trivial, actions like these can have serious consequences, especially if they make others feel destroyed. Islam teaches us to always have a good attitude, respect others, and avoid belittling them. By understanding the rules of pranking in Islam, we can build a community that is more respectful and caring.
So, for those who like to prank or watch prank content, you need to consider its impact. Creativity can be expressed, but not to the point of making others uncomfortable or harmed. Make sure to ask for permission, don’t just go ahead. Alma Ata University can be a relevant place to further explore media ethics, communication, and the social impact of trends and phenomena like pranking.
It’s very important, guys, to consider other people’s feelings. Islam teaches us to respect and not belittle others. So, let’s be a generation that can have fun without hurting others. Creativity can be expressed without causing problems. So, don’t overdo pranking, think about its impact, and always maintain ethics, guys! Keep the positive and creative spirit!
Source:
- https://www.nu.or.id/jatim/hukum-nge-prank-dalam-islam-IPvAe
- https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/front-view-young-male-laughing-white-t-shirt-pink-background_16930898.htm#fromView=search&page=1&position=3&uuid=d6ee1c55-27b4-44ac-a8c8-4f1a2b0f6df0
