Islamic Views on Smoking:

Islamic views on smoking are generally negative, as smoking is considered harmful to both the body and the soul. While the Quran does not explicitly mention smoking, Islamic scholars have interpreted the guidance in Islamic teachings to conclude that smoking is discouraged due to its detrimental effects on health.

Though  tobacco or smoking in general is not explicitly mentioned in the Quran or Hadith, condemned it as completely harmful, and have at times prohibited smoking outright (declared it haram) as a result of the serve health effects that it causes.

Islamic views on smoking: 

The general consensus concerning the Islamic ruling was that smoking is either completely prohibited or abhorrent to such a degree as to be prohibited.

Key Points in Islamic Views on Smoking:

1. Preservation of Health: In Islam, preserving one's health and well-being is of great importance. The Quran emphasizes the responsibility of individuals to take care of their bodies. Allah says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:195): "And do not throw [yourselves] with your own hands into destruction." Smoking, which leads to various health problems, including cancer, heart disease, and respiratory issues, is seen as contrary to this principle.
2. Harmful and Addictive Nature: Islamic teachings prohibit actions that harm the body or create an addiction. Smoking is widely recognized for its addictive qualities and harmful effects. This is consistent with the Islamic prohibition on substances that alter the mind or body in harmful ways, such as alcohol or drugs. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is reported to have said, "Do not harm yourself or others" (Sunan Ibn Majah), a principle that extends to smoking.
3. Scholarly Consensus: Many contemporary Islamic scholars and health experts agree that smoking is haram (forbidden) due to its harmful effects. While there was some debate in the past, the growing body of scientific evidence on the dangers of smoking has led to a widespread consensus that it is prohibited in Islam.
4. Islamic Ethics and Responsibility: Islam encourages believers to maintain a clean and pure life, free from things that negatively impact health or well-being. Smoking is seen as an indulgence in a harmful habit, which goes against the ethical principle of living in moderation and maintaining personal discipline.

Islamic views on smoking are clear in discouraging or prohibiting it, primarily because it is harmful to health, addictive, and goes against the teachings of preserving the body and avoiding self-harm. Muslims are encouraged to avoid smoking and seek healthier habits in accordance with the values of care and respect for the body that Islam promotes.

Islamic views on smoking are generally based on principles found in the Qur'an and Hadith, as well as scholarly interpretations of Islamic law (Sharia). While smoking tobacco was not known during the time of the Prophet Muhammad, modern Islamic scholars have applied principles of health, harm, and moderation to provide guidance on the issue.

1. Health and Harm (Harmful Effects)

Islam places a strong emphasis on preserving health and well-being. The Qur'an commands Muslims not to harm themselves or others. A famous verse in the Qur'an states:

"And do not kill the soul which Allah has forbidden, except by right."
(Qur'an 17:33)

This verse is interpreted by many scholars to mean that any activity that harms the body is discouraged or prohibited. Smoking, which is known to cause a range of serious health issues such as lung cancer, heart disease, and respiratory problems, is seen by many as a harmful practice that goes against the Islamic principle of avoiding self-harm.

2. Prohibition (Haram)

Although smoking was not known during the time of the Prophet, tobacco became common in the Islamic world in the centuries after his death. Many scholars have classified smoking as haram (forbidden) based on its harmful effects. For instance, the Islamic Fiqh Academy (a leading body of Islamic jurists) has issued fatwas declaring smoking to be haram because of the clear and proven health risks associated with it. Additionally, because smoking can lead to addiction and financial waste, it can be seen as an action that is harmful to both the individual and society.

3. Discouraged but not Explicitly Forbidden (Makruh)

On the other hand, some scholars argue that smoking should be considered makruh (discouraged or disliked) rather than haram. They argue that smoking was not known during the time of the Prophet Muhammad, and since it is not explicitly mentioned in the Qur'an or Hadith, its classification can be subject to interpretation. Some contemporary scholars believe that if smoking causes no immediate harm, it may be considered a lesser vice, but it is still discouraged due to the long-term health risks.

4. Addiction and Financial Waste

Islam also strongly discourages behaviors that lead to addiction or wastefulness. The Prophet Muhammad said:

"Do not harm yourself or others."
(Sahih Muslim)

Addiction to smoking is considered a form of self-harm, as it may lead to dependency. Moreover, the amount of money spent on cigarettes can be seen as wasteful, which contradicts the Islamic principle of avoiding extravagance. The Qur'an advises Muslims to:

"Indeed, the wasteful are brothers of the devils."
(Qur'an 17:27)

Thus, smoking could be considered haram or at least makruh due to its financial cost, its addictive nature, and its long-term health consequences.

5. Islamic Guidance on Quitting Smoking

Given the harmful effects of smoking, many Islamic scholars and health professionals encourage Muslims to quit smoking. In Islam, it is highly valued to seek ways to improve one's health and well-being, and quitting smoking is seen as a form of self-care that aligns with Islamic teachings. The act of quitting smoking is not only viewed as a personal benefit but also as an act of obedience to Allah by adhering to His commandments regarding health and well-being.

6. Fatwas and Modern Islamic Scholars' Views

Many Islamic organizations and scholars have issued fatwas (legal opinions) declaring smoking to be either haram or makruh based on its harmful nature. For example:

• The Al-Azhar University in Egypt, one of the most respected Islamic institutions, has issued fatwas declaring smoking to be haram.
• The International Islamic Fiqh Academy in Saudi Arabia has also ruled that smoking is haram because of the severe health risks involved.

Smoking was not directly addressed in the Qur'an or Hadith, the principles of Islam related to health, harm, addiction, and waste have led most contemporary scholars to view smoking as either haram or makruh. The majority opinion leans towards considering smoking as forbidden due to its harmful effects, encouraging Muslims to avoid it for the sake of their physical and spiritual well-being. The increasing global awareness of the dangers of smoking aligns with Islamic teachings on preserving health and avoiding harmful behaviors. Therefore, Muslims are advised to avoid smoking and seek help in quitting if they are already smokers. 

Quran say about the smoke:

God has said in the Quran: " Then he turned to the heaven when it was smoke..." (Quran 41:11)

Only two signs are yet to be fulfilled, this smoke and  Gog and Magog . It will envelop the people; this is a painful retribution.

Quran say about Drinking and smoking:

The response was, tobacco was unknown until many centuries after Islam was introduced and was not mentioned in the Quran, but alcohol was known and is explicitly forbidden. The consensus of Islamic scholars is that tobacco and other harmful drugs are forbidden by analogy.

Religions say about Smoking:

Methodist churches recommend abstinence from the use of tobacco, reflecting their support of the temperance movement. Jehovah's witnesses have not permitted any active members to smoke since 1973. The seventh-day Adventist Church also recommends that its members abstain from tobacco use.

Sin of Smoking:

Smoking leads to many sinful actions, because smoking may have adverse effects on the smoker's soul, exposing him to problems and difficulties. Indeed a man may leave God's house feeling the urge to smoke, as though his cigarette is more important to him than what God says and does.

Story of Sins for Cigarette: 

When Savannah runs into Caden Wilderson, a   rising soccer player with a witty mouth and an English accent who has a soft spot for her, an odd sense of deja vu tilts her world upside down. Flirty banter and summer air triggers sparks to fly, and the prospect of a summer fling increases with each fiery sin.

Curse of cigarette:

Considering the multiple aspects of smoking- related linked with the reproductive capability of an individual, one could say that smoking is a great curse for a healthy reproductive life. Smoking causes testosterone imbalance in men along with  the causation of erectile dysfunction, muscle weakness etc.

Verses about Islamic views on Smoking:

1. Arabic Verse:

Arabic:
وَقُوْلُوا لِلنَّاسِ حُسْنًا وَاجْتَنِبُوا مَا يُؤْذِي قُدْرَتَكُمْ وَصِحَّتَكُمْ
Transliteration:
"Wa qulū lil-nāsi ḥusnan wa ijtanibū mā yu’dhī qudratakum wa siḥḥatakum."
Translation (English):
"And speak to people in a good manner, and avoid anything that harms your ability and health."

Translation (Urdu):
"اور لوگوں سے اچھے انداز میں بات کرو، اور ہر ایسی چیز سے بچو جو آپ کی صلاحیت اور صحت کو نقصان پہنچائے۔"

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2. Arabic Verse:

Arabic:
وَلَا تُلْقُوا بِأَيْدِيكُمْ إِلَى التَّهْلُكَةِ
Transliteration:
"Wa lā tulqū bi-aydīkum ilā al-tahluka."
Translation (English):
"Do not throw yourselves into destruction with your own hands."

Translation (Urdu):
"اپنے ہاتھوں سے خود کو ہلاکت میں نہ ڈالو۔"

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3. Arabic Verse:

Arabic:
وَلَا تَقْتُلُوا أَنْفُسَكُمْ إِنَّ اللَّهَ كَانَ بِكُمْ رَحِيمًا
Transliteration:
"Wa lā taqtulū anfusakum inna Allāha kāna bikum raḥīmā."
Translation (English):
"And do not kill yourselves; indeed, Allah is ever Merciful to you."

Translation (Urdu):
"اور اپنے آپ کو قتل نہ کرو، بے شک اللہ تم پر بڑا رحم کرنے والا ہے۔"

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4. Arabic Verse:

Arabic:
وَمَنْ يَتَّقِ اللَّهَ يَجْعَلْ لَهُ مَخْرَجًا
Transliteration:
"Wa man yattaqī Allāha yaj‘al lahu makhrajan."
Translation (English):
"And whoever fears Allah, He will make a way for him to escape."

Translation (Urdu):
"اور جو اللہ سے ڈرتا ہے، اللہ اس کے لیے راہ نکال دیتا ہے۔"

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5. Arabic Verse:

Arabic:
إِنَّ اللَّهَ يُحِبُّ الَّذِينَ يُطَهِّرُونَ
Transliteration:
"Inna Allāha yuḥibbu al-ladhīna yuṭahhirūn."
Translation (English):
"Indeed, Allah loves those who purify themselves."

Translation (Urdu):
"یقیناً اللہ اُن لوگوں سے محبت کرتا ہے جو اپنے آپ کو پاک کرتے ہیں۔"

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Explanation:

Islamic teachings emphasize the importance of maintaining health and avoiding harm. Smoking, often considered detrimental to health, can be seen as contrary to the principles of protecting one's body as outlined in the Qur'an. The verses focus on avoiding harm, seeking mercy, and purifying oneself physically and spiritually.

Why smoking is very bad:

Smoking causes lung diseases like emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Tobacco smoke can trigger an asthma attack or make an attack worse. People who smoke are 12 to 13 times more likely to die from chronic includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis-than people who don't smoke. 

  The Reasons why smoking is Haram:

1. Islam forbids everything that is harmful:

Perhaps you know that all nations of the world-Muslims and kafir alike-have now started to fight smoking because they know that it is very harmful.

Islam forbids everything that is harmful, because the Prophet said: " There should be no harming or reciprocating harm."

Undoubtedly there are foods and drinks which are beneficial and good, and others which are harmful and bad. Allah described our Prophet in the following terms (interpretation of the meaning):

                            "he allows them as lawful At Tayyibat (i.e, all good  and lawful as regards things, deeds beliefs persons and foods) and prohibits them as unlawful Al Khabaith (i.e all evil and unlawful as regards things, deeds, beliefs, persons and foods)".

2. Spending on smoking is spending on something harmful:

It was narrated that the Prophet  said: "Allah forbids you to trade gossip, to ask too many questions and to waste money." And Allah forbade wasteful extravagance when He said (interpretation of the meaning).

                      "and eat and drink but waste not by extravagance, certainly He (Allah) likes not Al-Musrifun(those who waste by extravagance)".

And He described the slaves of the Most Merciful as follows (interpretation of the meaning).

                            "And those who, when they spend, are neither extravagance  not stingy, but hold a medium (way) between those(extremes)".

The whole world now knows that the money spent on smoking is to be considered as money wasted, from which no benefits is gained. Indeed, it is money spent on something harmful.

If the money which is spent on smoking worldwide were to be collected, it could have saved entire populations who have died of starvation. Indeed the smoker is more foolish, because the folly of the one who burns a dollar bill ends there, whilst the one who smokes burns his money and also harms his body. 

3. Smoking has caused many disease:

How many disasters have been caused by smoking, because of cigarette butts which are thrown away and cause fires. Other disasters have been caused in other ways, as when a house was burned down with its occupants inside, when a man lit his cigarette when there was a gas leak.

4. Many people are offended by the smell of smokers: 

Especially when you are unfortunate enough to have one of them standing next to you in the mosque. Probably any nasty smell is easier to bear than the smell of the smoker's mouth when he has just woken up. It is amazing how many women women can put up with the smell of their husband's mouths!

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him forbade those who had eaten garlic or onions from coming to the mosque so that they would not offend their fellow worshippers with their smell. The smell of onions and garlic is easier to bear than the smell of the smoker and his mouth.

There are some of the reasons why smoking is haram.

And Allah knows best.

Significance about Islamic views on Smoking:

In Islam, the issue of smoking has been a topic of debate, but contemporary Islamic scholars and health experts generally agree that smoking is harmful and should be avoided due to its negative impact on health. Although smoking is not explicitly mentioned in the Qur'an or Hadith (sayings of the Prophet Muhammad), the principles of Islam provide clear guidance on the matter, particularly regarding the preservation of health and the prohibition of harmful substances.

Here are key points highlighting the significance of Islamic views on smoking:

1. The Principle of Preserving Health

Islam places a great emphasis on maintaining and preserving one's health. The Qur'an encourages Muslims to take care of their bodies, as they are a trust (Amanah) from Allah. One of the fundamental principles in Islamic law (Shari'ah) is that any action that harms the body is discouraged or prohibited. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:195), it states:
“And do not throw yourselves into destruction with your own hands…”
This verse is interpreted by scholars to mean that Muslims should avoid actions that could harm their health or well-being, which includes smoking due to its well-established harmful effects.

2. Prohibition of Intoxicants

Although smoking itself is not explicitly mentioned in the Qur'an, the principle of prohibiting intoxicants can be applied to the discussion. In Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:90), it states:
“O you who have believed, indeed, intoxicants, gambling, [sacrificing on] stone alters [to other than Allah], and divining arrows are but defilement from the work of Satan, so avoid it that you may be successful.”
While smoking does not intoxicate in the way alcohol or drugs do, it is a harmful substance that can lead to addiction and serious health problems. Many scholars argue that smoking is impermissible because it violates the spirit of this prohibition, given that it causes harm and potentially leads to addiction.

3. Addiction and Loss of Control

Islamic teachings encourage self-discipline and control over desires. Anything that leads to addiction and loss of self-control, including smoking, is viewed negatively. The Qur'an and Hadith emphasize the importance of using one's faculties, particularly reason, in making choices. Smoking is seen as an act that may lead to dependency and hinder a person’s ability to make sound decisions, thus violating the Islamic principle of controlling one's desires.

4. The Importance of Being a Role Model

Islam encourages believers to set a good example for others, particularly in maintaining health and well-being. Smoking is harmful not only to the smoker but also to those around them due to secondhand smoke. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
"There should be neither harming nor reciprocating harm."
This Hadith underscores the Islamic ethic of avoiding harm, which is why smoking is discouraged. The act of smoking, which can harm not only the individual but also others, contradicts this principle.

5. Modern Fatwas on Smoking

In the modern era, as scientific research has shown the severe health risks associated with smoking, many contemporary Islamic scholars have issued fatwas (legal opinions) declaring smoking to be either haram (forbidden) or at least makruh (discouraged). The World Health Organization (WHO) and other health bodies have provided extensive evidence of smoking's harmful effects, including cancer, heart disease, and respiratory issues. Based on this, many Islamic scholars today agree that smoking should be avoided due to its clear harm to health.

6. Encouragement of Cleanliness and Purity

Islam stresses the importance of personal hygiene and cleanliness. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
"Cleanliness is half of faith."
Smoking, by causing bad breath, stained teeth, and unhealthy skin, conflicts with the Islamic ideal of cleanliness. This reinforces the argument that smoking is incompatible with the Islamic way of life.

7. Social Responsibility and Public Health

Islamic teachings also emphasize social responsibility, which includes caring for the community's welfare. Since smoking can lead to significant public health issues, such as lung cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and respiratory problems, its prohibition aligns with the broader Islamic principle of safeguarding public health.

Conclusion

While smoking is not explicitly mentioned in the Qur'an or Hadith, Islamic teachings on health, cleanliness, and avoiding harm strongly suggest that smoking is either prohibited or highly discouraged. As understanding of the harms of smoking has deepened, the consensus among contemporary scholars is clear: smoking is detrimental to health, violates the Islamic principle of not harming oneself or others, and should be avoided. Muslims are encouraged to seek healthier alternatives, maintain their well-being, and be mindful of the example they set for others in their community.

 

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