In this article, we will discuss the history of April’s Fool Day, its origins, and how it is seen from the Islamic perspective. We will also clarify its insignificance and unknown root or origin.
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Here we will learn the following:
April Fool’s Day in Islamic Perspective
April Fool’s Day is a day on the 1st of April in which people traditionally make lies and fool each other in different ways.
This day has become so popular in the West and among European countries to a great extent that people are innovating new creative ideas for making lies and fooling others.
Making lies is greatly condemned and forbidden (Haram) in Islam. Islam is a balanced and truthful religion that guarantees everyone a safe and productive life. So, practicing Muslims do not participate in such traditions in April.
What is The History of April’s Fool Day?
The history/origin of April’s Fool Day is highly debated and exactly unknown. It is not our concern to confirm any of these narrations. However, we will list some of them to infer that Islam is always free of such detrimental traditions.
1- The French Calendar Reform of The Sixteenth Century
This narration states that in 1564 CE, France reformed its calendar setting the start of the year in January as the Gregorian calendar instead of March.
Those who failed to cope with the new change were fooled and named “Poisson d’Avril”.
From our Islamic perspective, making fun of people -especially for that insignificant reason- is not funny at all, moreover setting it a tradition to be celebrated every year!
2- Polytheistic Celebrations on The Beginning of Spring
Some people state that April’s Fool Day started a long time before that as a part of polytheistic celebrations in the beginning of the spring season. However, this narration is not clearly stated and not many references refer to it.
Polytheism and claiming more than one God is inconsistent with common sense and reason. Moreover, practicing such a fooling tradition as a part of a religious duty refers to a man-made, inferior tradition!
3- British Folklore Links April Fools’ Day to The Legendary Town of Fools Located in Nottinghamshire.
The legend states that, in the 13th century there was a tradition that any place the king steps on becomes a public property. When the king aimed at visiting this town, the people refused fearing that they would lose the property of their own town’s road.
When the people refused, the King sent soldiers to punish them. However, when they arrived, the people fooled them by pretending they were foolish by drowning fish or caging birds in roofless cages. The king thought they were insane and decided not to punish them.
Ever since then, according to legend, April Fools’ Day has commemorated their trickery.
4- Spanish Celebration in Remembrance of The Day They Defeated Muslims
This narration states that in the 15th century, The Spanish fooled Muslims ruling Andalus by giving them tobacco and cigarettes, thus they were able to defeat them and take over Andaus (Spain).
Although this narration is not mentioned in any authentic reference, it appears untrue and impractical to believe that Muslims or any other would be fooled that way!
Actually, the end of Muslims’ rule in Andalus in 1492 A.D was before any known celebration of April’s Fool day by at least 60 years. Moreover, according to The State College in Framingham, tobacco products were not known at the time of Muslims’ defeat in Andalus!
Thus, the history of April’s Fool day appears unclear, unauthentic, and generally legendary.
What is The History of April’s Fool Day in Islam?
All in all, April Fool’s Day is a Western tradition that spreads foolishness, lies, fears, and tricks among the community. It resembles Halloween which also spreads fear and insecurity in the name of celebrations!
Islam doesn’t have to do with any of these traditions of unknown origins or history. Muslims do not lie to, trick, or scare anybody as Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) taught us to be honest, and truthful all the way even when we laugh or joke.
Celebrations and jokes are desirable in Islam within the correct context, However, they aim at spreading joy, happiness, and welfare. Otherwise, it is not more than a source of fear, danger, and terror!
