Cognition of Humor (Ṭanz) and Study of its Status and Application in Islamic Traditions

Humor is the beautiful melody of art proceeding toward the cultural sublimation of a society. Delving into its related components is among the great duties of the compassionate researchers of society, because using this unique art leads to deepening of understanding the subject in the addressee’s mind and on the other hand, it would state the society’s inefficiencies with a sarcastic and bitter language and by creating apprehension and fear, it would warn the wrongdoers of their own errors and thus removes the deficiencies and defects created in the social life. This research is intended to bring to light the way this issue has been actualized from among the eloquent sayings of the Infallibles (A.S.) by means of documentary and library method. To this end, first the concept of ṭanz is examined; then, from a historical perspective, its applications in the words of the Imams of guidance (A.S.) is explained in four humorous manifestation models, including humor through derision (tahakkum), parable, assimilation to animals, and allusive remark. It is included in the end that the ultimate goal of the humors existing in traditions is to set aright the individual and the society, and their taking lessons from the context from which the humor has been originated.