Some guidelines on Humour in Islam:
1. IT IS SUNNAH: The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) joked. (Tirmidhi) He would nickname Zainab bint Salama by calling her ‘O Zuweinab’. Other ahadith relate that the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) would play and joke with small children.
2. APPROPRIATE TIMES: Umar (radhiallahu anhu) said, "I admire a man who is like a child with his family (playful), and once he leaves them, he is more serious." Zayd ibn Thabit was one of the most humorous men in his home. Outside of his home, he was as serious as any man. Joking is like adding salt to food. It must be measured and we must remember that some people do not eat food with salt. In other words, it is in appropriate to joke with some people.
3. LIMITS: Bad language or improper topics may not be subject of jokes. Qur’aanic verses and Islamic laws should also not be joked about. Humour is a great way to diffuse a bad situation, or ease an uncomfortable one but it must be used appropriately. Just as a knife is useful in preparing food, so it can cause you to bleed.
4. HOSTILE HUMOUR: The harmful kind, which causes hostility and sadness, must be avoided. Exaggerated or continuous joking is also out. Useful joking, which aims to calm people or entertain or relieve them for a short time is permissible.
Humour has the power of warming hearts and lifting spirits like no other human characteristic, and it provides a welcome break amidst the pressures of life if done properly.
Jolly Jokes
