Amal Al-Sibai

Saudi Gazette

 

BETWEEN laughter, mockery, and pointed fingers someone calls out on this day, “Ha ha! The fool’s on you.” Let’s face it; none likes to be laughed at!



Tricking someone, fooling them, playing a mean prank, scaring them, or laughing at them is really no cause for celebration at all. None likes to be tagged as the fool, so it does not make much sense, regardless of faith, background, or culture to celebrate April Fool’s Day.



There is no basis for such a celebration in Islam and it is odd that some Muslims would blindly follow other people and participate in the follies associated with this day.



The origins of April Fool’s Day are unclear. One theory is that, centuries ago, New Year’s Day was actually around the first of April, marking the spring season. When the new calendar was ordered by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582, and the first day of the year shifted to January 1, some traditionalists stuck to the older date for the start of a new year.



Other people began to make fun of these traditionalists and this spread throughout Europe; thus April Fool’s Day. However, historians pointed out some problems with this theory.



Another explanation, by Joseph Boskin, a history professor at Boston University, is that during the reign of Constantine, a group of court jesters and fools told the Roman emperor that they were better fit to run the empire than he.



Amused, Constantine allowed a jester, named Kugel, to be king for one day. Kugel made a rule, demanding absurdity and shows of humor on that day; and ever since the custom became an annual public event in Europe.



Whatever the real origins of this day, April is a month of growth, greenery, and fresh beginnings, and should be celebrated by giving thanks to God for His blessings, rather than celebrating by making a fool out of another person.



The Prophet (peace be upon him) did not condemn lightheartedness or humor, but there are certain courtesies one must follow; and Muslims never designated a specific day for making jokes.



Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was known to always wear a smile on his face and when he laughed the whites of his teeth showed.



However, he (pbuh) said, “I always say the truth even when I am joking.” Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said, “Woe to the one who lies in the course of making people laugh.”



These sayings and one’s own sense of respecting others’ feelings make it clear where we should stand in regards to April Fool’s Day.