What should families do if children create or share memes that mix humour with sacred Islamic content? 

Parenting Perspective 

Correct with Gentleness and Clarity 

If a child creates or shares a meme that mixes humour with sacred content, a parent should respond calmly but clearly. Rather than scolding, they can explain: ‘I know this might seem funny, but using the words of Allah or the Prophet ﷺ in a joke can make them feel less important in our hearts. They are too sacred to be used in memes.’ This approach helps a child understand the seriousness of the issue without turning it into a power struggle. 

Teach the Boundaries of Humour 

Parents can reassure their children that Islam is not against humour, but that sacred topics must be treated with dignity. Explaining, ‘We can joke and laugh about many things, but never about the words of Allah or the teachings of the Prophet ﷺ,’ creates a clear and understandable boundary. This teaches children that while fun is allowed, respect for the deen must always come first. 

Offer Positive Alternatives 

Instead of discouraging creativity, parents can guide their children toward sharing more wholesome and uplifting content. This could include beautiful Islamic reminders, motivational posts, or even light-hearted, permissible memes that do not touch on sacred matters. This allows a child to express their humour and creativity within safe and respectful limits. 

Spiritual Insight 

Ridicule is Not a Trait of a Believer 

The Quran explicitly warns believers against engaging in ridicule. This prohibition is especially relevant when it comes to the symbols of our faith, as treating them lightly is not a characteristic of a humble heart. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Hujuraat (49), Verse 11: 

‘ Those of you who are believers, do not let a nation ridicule another nation, as perhaps it may be that they are better than them; and let not the women (ridicule) other women, as perhaps they may be better than them…‘ 

The Weight of a Single Word 

The prophetic tradition teaches that even a single, casually uttered word can have immense consequences in the sight of Allah. This serves as a powerful reminder to be mindful of our speech, especially when it comes to jokes involving sacred matters. 

It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari, 6478, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘A man may utter a word pleasing to Allah without realising it, for which Allah raises him in status. And a man may utter a word displeasing to Allah without realising it, for which he will fall into Hell.’ 

Preserving Dignity and Reverence 

By correcting gently, teaching the boundaries of humour, and offering positive alternatives, parents can help their children understand that reverence for Islam is a way of protecting their own hearts. They learn over time that faith and humour can coexist, but the noble Quran and the Sunnah must always be treated with the dignity they deserve.