Scholars from different religions answer the question
Question: What role does humour play in life?
ABDUL RASHID is a member of the Ottawa Muslim community, the Christian-Muslim Dialogue and the Capital Region Interfaith Council.
Humour is a natural human characteristic and an essential component of a complete human personality. Although humour does not play a direct role in beliefs and practices of faith, Islam provides guidance on this aspect of our lives.
To begin with, Islam discourages excess in every thing and suggests a balance between various aspects of our lives. On the one hand, humour helps us to relax and enjoy the company of other people. On other hand, it a good source of reduction in a tense atmosphere. It makes people smile and laugh. Islam encourages all these positive dimensions of humour.