Quran Forbids Mockery

IQNA – Istihza or mockery is defined by ethics scholars as imitating another’s words, deeds, qualities, or shortcomings for the purpose of making people laugh. 

So Istihza has two components: 1- Imitating others 2- Having the intention of making others laugh

Istihza is one of the improper behaviors that some people use to discredit others. It is one of the inappropriate diseases of the tongue that has negative effects, such as annoying people, creating enmity, and provoking revenge. It also destroys the spirit of unity and cohesion in human society.

Istihza is violating other people’s reputation and holding them in contempt. The Quran clearly forbids this act. God says in Verse 11 of Surah Al-Hujurat: “Believers, do not let people mock other people who may be better than themselves. Do not let women mock women, who may be better than themselves. Do not find fault with one another, nor abuse one another with nicknames. An evil name is disobedience after belief. Those who do not repent are the harmdoers.”

We read in Verse 49 of Surah Al-Kahf: “And the Book shall be set in place, and you will see the sinners fearful of what is in it. They shall say: ‘Woe to us! How is it, this book omits nothing small or great, all are counted!’ And they shall find what they did is present, and Your Lord will wrong no one.”

As for the phrase “Nothing small or large”, Ibn Abbas has narrated a Hadith based on which small here refers to smiling when a believer is being mocked and large refers to laughing when a believer is being mocked.

If Istihza is done when a person is absent and is about the person’s hidden flaws, it is also considered to be Ghibah (backbiting), which is itself a gave sin.

In order to cure this disease, one should reflect on its ominous outcomes. Istihza creates enmity in this world and brings about punishment in the hereafter.

It humiliates another person and degrades him, and the one who does istihza may be inflicted with the same thing for which he mocks another person. 

According to historical accounts, the father of Marwan used to follow the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and mock how he walked. One day the Prophet (PBUH) noticed him and prayed that he remain in the same position that he was. The father of Marwan was inflicted with Parkisnon’s Disease until he died.

Those who mock others should think about how they would feel if they were being mocked. By reflecting on these points, it is hoped that the person will give up mocking others and seek to cure this disease.