What is the ruling on using metaphorical, allegorical, and illustrative images and videos on social media for humor and jokes, such as a video of a building collapsing with the caption "This is my situation at the end of the year" (meaning failure), or a picture of a fat cat with the caption "Me when I overeat," and does this fall under unwitting disbelief (kufr)?
If a person speaks about himself with the intention of joking, there is no harm in what he expresses about his situation, even if it contains things that make people laugh. However, he should not do this excessively. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, used to joke but would only speak the truth. As for lying to make people laugh, it is impermissible, due to the Prophet’s, peace and blessings be upon him, saying: "Woe to him who speaks and lies to make people laugh; woe to him, then woe to him." If it involves aggression against a Muslim or harm to religion, it is even more strictly forbidden. This act does not lead to disbelief (kufr).
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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