Joking is something that is permissible in Islam because human instincts sometimes require entertainment to obtain well-being, tranquillity and escape from anxiety and tension. However, Islam forbids excessive joking about useless things because jokes may cause the heart to harden and lead one to neglect the remembrance of Allah. The matter was among the contents of yesterday's Friday Sermon titled, 'Senda Gurau Dan Batasannya' or 'Limits To Joking And Jesting'.
According to the Imam or prayer leader, the conditions that must be observed so as not to go overboard in joking and jesting, are:
Firstly: Do not be excessive in joking to the extent that politeness and good manners are lost.
Secondly: Jokes are for the purpose of being friendly or to please others.
Thirdly: Do not tell lies when joking, that is, do not say anything except the truth.
Fourthly: Jokes should not contain matters that frighten others.
Fifthly: Jokes should not contain insults, slander, making fun of or hurting others and lastly, do not joke about things that will become valid and recognised by the syariah such as marriage, divorce or reconciliation.
Source: Radio Television Brunei