Why is smoking haram in Islam?

In a Nutshell: Islam places immense emphasis on health, well-being and avoiding self-harm. Smoking is widely considered haram (forbidden) within the faith due to overwhelming evidence of its destructive health consequences. This prohibition stems from Quranic injunctions to avoid harm, Hadith narrations denouncing harmful substances, the consensus of Islamic scholars and the clear scientific link between smoking and debilitating diseases. Table of Contents Introduction Evidences Why is Smoking haram in Islam? Misconceptions Objections FAQs: Why is Smoking haram in Islam? Conclusion Introduction Tobacco consumption, prevalent in various forms around the globe, has come under intense scrutiny within the Islamic legal and ethical framework. While the plant itself didn't exist during the Prophet's (pbuh) lifetime, the core principles of Islam provide clear guidance on its usage. Islamic jurisprudence draws from the Quran, the Sunnah (Prophetic example) and the reasoned opinions of scholars to derive rulings on contemporary issues. Based on these sources, the overwhelming scholarly consensus deems smoking as haram - a minority regard it as makruh. Evidences Quranic Verses: And do not kill yourselves. Surely, Allah is Most Merciful to you. (Quran 4:29) And do not throw yourselves into destruction with your own hands. (Quran 2:195) ...and makes lawful for them the good things and prohibits for them the evil things... (Quran 7:157) O you who have believed, do not consume intoxicants, in which there is great sin and [some] benefit for people. But their sin is greater than their benefit... (Quran 2:219) Prophetic Traditions (Hadith) There should be neither harming nor reciprocating harm. (Sunan Ibn Majah 2341) "The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) prohibited...anything that can intoxicate the mind" (Sunan Abi Dawud 3680) Whoever consumes poison, thereby killing himself, then he will be consuming his poison in the Hellfire and he will abide eternally in it" (Sahih al-Bukhari 5778) "None of you should wish for death because of a calamity befalling him; but if he has to wish for death, he should say: 'O Allah! Keep me alive so long as life is better for me and let me die if death is better for me.'" (Sahih al-Bukhari 5671) Whatever is harmful to the body is unlawful. (Sunan Ibn Majah 3369) "Make use of medical treatment, for Allah has not made a disease without appointing a remedy for it, with the exception of one disease, namely old age." (Sunan Abi Dawud 3855) Companions' Opinions (Sahaba) Abdullah ibn Umar (ra) narrated that the Prophet (pbuh) said: Every intoxicant is Khamr (wine) and every intoxicant is forbidden. (Sahih Muslim 2003) [ This underscores the analogy between smoking and intoxicants] Ali ibn Abi Talib (ra) is reported to have disliked the smell of smoking and prohibited those who had consumed the substance from attending the congregational prayer in the masjid. Ibn Abbas (ra) emphasized the importance of preserving one's wealth, arguing against wasteful and harmful expenditures like smoking. Scholars' Opinions: Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah: This plant (tobacco) was not known at the time of the Prophet (pbuh) and those who came after him for hundreds of years...It is therefore akin to wine and other intoxicating and harmful substances. Imam al-Nawawi: If it is established that (smoking) is harmful, then it is haram. Grand Mufti of Egypt, Shawki Allam: Smoking is considered a slow method of suicide and suicide in Islam is strictly forbidden." Grand Mufti of Egypt, Nasr Farid Wasil: Smoking is haram in Islam because of its detrimental health effects. Muhammad ibn Adam Al-Kawthari (Hanafi scholar): It [smoking] undoubtedly falls under the prohibited harmful things. if you'd like to proceed to the analysis section, where we'll integrate these evidences, weigh scholarly opinions and dissect the issue of why smoking is considered haram in Islam. Why is Smoking haram in Islam? The evidences presented unequivocally demonstrate a strong Islamic injunction against harmful substances and actions that endanger one's well-being. Smoking's well-documented, severe health risks - including lung cancer, heart disease, respiratory ailments and a multitude of other illnesses - align directly with the Quranic call to avoid self-destruction and preserve life. The principle of minimizing harm (la darar wa la dirar) is a fundamental tenet of Islamic law. Smoking inflicts harm not just upon the smoker but also upon those exposed to secondhand smoke. This violates the core Islamic value of protecting oneself and others in society. While tobacco did not exist in the Prophet's (pbuh) time, the analogy to intoxicants is compelling. Smoking alters the mind and induces a state of dependency akin to addiction. The hadith categorize any substance causing intoxication as impermissible and this reasoning extends to smoking. Scholars emphasize that, once the harm of smoking was medically proven, its prohibition became clear. This aligns with the Hadith promoting health and medical treatment. Smoking stands as a barrier to healing and undermines the very health that the faith encourages. Beyond physical harm, smoking is a wasteful expenditure, squandering resources that could be better spent on necessities or charitable causes. Islam promotes moderation and responsible stewardship of wealth. Importantly, the ruling on smoking is not a modern development but has roots in earlier scholarly opinions. The prohibition emphasizes the dynamic nature of Islamic law, which responds to contemporary challenges in light of the timeless Islamic principles. Misconceptions Smoking is not explicitly mentioned in the Quran or Hadith. Islam provides broad principles governing actions that weren't prevalent in the Prophet's (pbuh) time. The focus lies on harm, intoxication and preserving health - core values clearly violated by smoking. Some scholars permitted smoking in the past. Early opinions were often based on a less developed understanding of smoking's long-term health effects. As scientific understanding grew, scholarly positions evolved. It's a personal choice. Islam teaches responsibility towards oneself and others. Smoking's harm extends beyond the smoker, making it a matter of social concern. Only excessive smoking is harmful. Medical research indicates no 'safe' limit of smoking. Even small amounts carry considerable health risks. There are other harmful things that are allowed. This is a 'whataboutism' argument. The presence of some harms doesn't negate the obligation to avoid others. Objections Smoking relieves stress. Any temporary stress relief is far outweighed by long-term health damage. Islam offers healthier ways to manage stress, such as prayer and mindfulness. People die from other causes too. This doesn't excuse knowingly choosing a path that increases the risk of preventable diseases and premature death. I'll quit one day. Procrastinating quitting prolongs the harm inflicted on oneself and others. Islam encourages taking immediate action to rectify wrongs. It's my body, my right. Islamically, our bodies are a trust from Allah (swt) and we're responsible for their care. God determines when I die. This misconstrues divine decree. Islam mandates taking precautions and utilizing the means available to preserve life. FAQs: Why is Smoking haram in Islam? Can I smoke occasionally? Even infrequent smoking damages health. The goal is to completely eliminate the harm inflicted on oneself and others. What about e-cigarettes and vaping? While they may contain fewer harmful chemicals than traditional cigarettes, they are not harmless and often still contain addictive nicotine. Islamic principles of avoiding harm and protecting health extend to them as well. How can I quit smoking? Seek support from loved ones, consider nicotine replacement therapy, explore counseling and turn to Allah (swt) for strength and guidance. Islam encourages seeking help and gradual change. Is it sinful to sell tobacco products? Involvement in facilitating harm to others carries moral and ethical complexities. There's a strong argument that contributing to this industry conflicts with Islamic teachings. What if someone close to me smokes? Offer support and encouragement to quit, gently remind them of the harms and set boundaries to protect yourself from secondhand smoke. If I've smoked in the past, will I be forgiven? Allah (swt) is immensely forgiving. Sincere repentance and a commitment to change open the doors to Allah's (swt) mercy. Why are there still Muslim smokers? Addiction is powerful and awareness of the ruling on smoking may vary. Raising awareness and offering support within the community is key. Conclusion The weight of evidence from the Quran, the Sunnah, the consensus of early and contemporary scholars and the irrefutable medical evidence against smoking leaves no doubt about its impermissibility in Islam. The faith places the utmost importance on safeguarding health, promoting well-being and avoiding self-inflicted harm. Smoking stands in stark opposition to these core values.