Pranking Wisely, Understanding the Law of Prank Content in Islam

Kapanlagi.com - **Prank: Between Entertainment and Ethical Boundaries in Islamic Perspective**

In today's digital era, the phenomenon of pranks or mischievous acts that are recorded and uploaded to social media is becoming increasingly rampant. From light-hearted jokes to extreme pranks that can cause fear and trauma, many people get caught up in the frenzy. However, what is Islam's view on such actions?

Scholars answer this question firmly: pranks that make people feel insulted, embarrassed, or even physically or psychologically hurt are actions that are not permitted. This is a clear legal conclusion in Islamic law regarding the phenomenon of pranks.

Pranks are often understood as acts of trickery against someone, whether a friend or a stranger, for the sake of entertainment or to test reactions. However, in practice, many pranks end up resulting in mockery and unnecessary fear.

Especially among content creators on social media, particularly on YouTube, prank actions are often carried out to gain fame, views, and of course, income from advertisements. This phenomenon is increasingly concerning, as many contents feature people being pranked in extreme ways, leading to anger and trauma for the victims.

In a Bahtsul Masa'il Kubro forum held at the Lirboyo Islamic Boarding School in Kediri on February 21-22, 2019, the legal aspects of pranks were discussed in depth. The result was that pranks containing elements of fear, insult, or harassment towards the victim are considered haram, especially if carried out without consent and have the potential to cause psychological or physical harm.

With the increasing number of prank contents circulating, it is important for us to reflect on the ethics and boundaries of entertainment. Let us create entertainment that not only invites laughter but also respects the dignity and feelings of others.

1. How Do Pranks Create Fear?

Amid the widespread variety of pranks circulating, they all share the same goal: to entertain, gain fame, and make money on social media. However, often, these attempts to entertain violate norms of decency and ethics.

A prank that seems funny on screen can become a nightmare for its victim, even leaving deep psychological scars. For example, in South Jakarta, a group of teenagers dressed frighteningly as ghosts stood in a quiet alley near a cemetery, shocking residents and causing a mother to experience deep trauma as she felt haunted.

On the other hand, there are also lighter and more entertaining pranks, such as a YouTuber from East Kalimantan who disguised himself as a ghost while ordering food at a drive-thru, which instead created laughter among the restaurant staff and his viewers.

Although not all pranks are extreme, it is important to consider morality and ethics, as Islam emphasizes clear boundaries against actions that can hurt or demean the dignity of others.

2. This is What is Forbidden

From the perspective of Sharia, doing pranks can be dangerous if they contain elements that hurt, mock, or excessively scare others, making it unlawful.

However, if a prank is done wisely, does not harm others, and has their consent, then it can be considered tolerable, although such forms of pranks are very difficult to find.

Scholars emphasize the importance of keeping one's words and behavior so as not to belittle or hurt others, even in the name of entertainment. In Islam, permissible entertainment is that which does not bring sin or damage.

Creativity on social media is fine, but it must be accompanied by moral responsibility so that the desire to go viral does not sacrifice others. Islam teaches mutual respect and not to humiliate one another, a principle that applies in every activity, including in the digital world.

In conclusion, pranks that hurt and scare others are generally unlawful, unless there is certainty that the victim does not feel harmed, and it remains within the bounds of proper etiquette.

(kpl/rao)