Is Stand-Up Comedy a Halal Career?
Answered by Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat
Question
I have been doing stand-up comedy for three years and have earned multiple accolades in this time. However, my family has recently been through a traumatic event. Ever since then, my father has deemed that my career is haram and forbade me from pursuing it.
By Allah, if this is indeed true, I will kill the desire within my heart and leave it. However, Ya Shaykh, if this is indeed permissible, I will pursue the path of my heart, for this is what I love. Please advise.
Answer
I pray you are well.
Stand-up comedy would be permissible as a career as long as there are no lies involved. The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) guaranteed a home in the middle part of Paradise for anyone who ceases lying, even when joking.
You should also look at the sins of the tongue and avoid them, seeing as much of comedy involves mocking others. This would be impermissible, as would glorifying what is impermissible according to Islam. If the role involves being in environments where there are impermissible actions, such as the consumption of wine, it’s better to avoid.
If the above issues are avoided, the job will be permissible. However, do consider the matter. You don’t want to be in a situation where your relationship with your father breaks down should you pursue this career. This relationship is valuable, so you should see it as such.
Also, comedy is important in today’s world. Many a time, unpalatable truths can be presented through comedy and satire, to make people consider the matter. If you can use your comedy to stand up for what is right, you’ll be rewarded for it.
Try to explain to him that the job could be permissible and discuss the matter with him. Pray an istikhara, consider your father, and do what will leave you in the best situation on the Day of Judgement.
Related:
- Jobs and Income Archives
- Have I Earned the Anger of Allah for Raising My Voice in Anger at My Mother?
- What Constitutes Disobeying One’s Parents (’Uquq al-Walidayn)?
May Allah give us complete conviction in His wisdom in deciding all things.
[Shaykh] Abdul-Rahim
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat began his studies in Arabic Grammar and Morphology in 2005. After graduating with a degree in English and History, he moved to Damascus in 2007, where, for 18 months, he studied with many erudite scholars. In late 2008, he moved to Amman, Jordan, where he continued his studies for the next six years in Sacred Law (fiqh), legal theory (Usul al-fiqh), theology, hadith methodology, hadith commentary, and Logic. He was also given licenses of mastery in the science of Quranic recital, and he was able to study an extensive curriculum of Quranic sciences, tafsir, Arabic grammar, and Arabic eloquence.
