Is lying in jest forbidden or permissible, and what is understood from the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, not reproaching those who lied in jest?

Lying is inherently reprehensible and is not permissible in seriousness or jest. There are warnings against lying to make people laugh, as the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Woe to him who speaks and lies to make people laugh thereby. Woe to him, then woe to him." Sheikh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah clarified that one who narrates fabricated stories to make people laugh is disobedient to Allah and His Messenger and deserves legal punishment. As for the jest that occurred between the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, and Zahir ibn Haram, may Allah be pleased with him, when he said, "Who will buy this slave?" there was no lying involved. The interpretation of this is that he meant his servitude to Allah, or someone who would honor him.