Sketches of Fools and Simpletons

Lack of sense leads to acts of foolishness, allowing them to mothball into comical gags. Ibrahim Al-Nazzam was once asked, “What are the limits of foolishness?” To which he replied, “You asked about that which has no limits.” The art of humour is an intricate balancing act between folly and good judgement, measure and discomposure. People of virtue have always enjoyed a chuckle and hearty anecdotes, remaining positive towards them because they relax the mind and comfort the heart from the fatigue of contemplative thought. Even the joshing nature of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) is well-known, yet it was guided by a higher code of conduct cognisant of personal and public responsibility. Purposeful joking and jest bring benefit just as salt in food, ever careful not to be excessive. Before you, therefore, is an amusing classical text reflecting a sharp departure from the usual scholarship for which the author is known for. Compiled in the sixth century Hijri, this collection of irreverent and playful sketches - derisive and cynical observations of mischievous people - are sure to tickle your funny bone, albeit having a more sober purpose for the reader to contemplate. About The 'Abd al-Rahman ibn al-Jawzi al-Hanbali (509/510-597) was the Imam of Hanbalis and foremost orator of kings and commoners in his time, whose gatherings reportedly reached one hundred thousand. A hadith master, philologist, commentator of Qur'an, expert jurist, physician, and historian of s