Is Smoking Haram Or Makrooh In Islam?
It happens to be one of the most frequently asked questions. Though we are not qualified to pass Fatwa or something but we are really sorry smokers, it is Haram. But to understand why, we need to understand what Haram means.
Haram is an Arabic term which refers to something that is forbidden. Now understand this, that in Islam cleanliness and hygiene are emphasized to the extent that it has been considered a part of iman (faith). It is very well known that a smoker’s mouth is unclean and foul smelling “like a cigarette ash-tray.”
Allah (SWT) says:
“And forbids them what is bad.” The Qur’an, Surah Al-‘Araf, 7: 157
“O ye who believe! Intoxicants and gambling are an abomination of Satan’s handiwork. Eschew such abominations that ye may prosper.” Al Ma’idah, 5: 93
The word intoxicant has three meanings:
- To induce, especially the effect of ingested alcohol.
- To stimulate or excite.
- To poison.
Except the first meaning, the latter two are very well valid and both applicable to nicotine and caffeine.
SMOKING is nothing but a form of slow suicide. The Qur’an says:
“And slay not the life which Allah hath forbidden” Surah, Al-Isra, 17: 33
“And make not your own hands contribute to your destruction.” Surah, Al-Baqara, 2: 195
“Nor kill or destroy yourselves for verily Allah hath been to you most Merciful.” Surah, An-Nisa, 4: 29
The point here is, Allah has given man common sense to use. When a human being knows that smoking tobacco causes more harm than provide any benefits then logically the person must avoid indulging in that action.
As for categorizing it as haram well by definition haram is all that is forbidden because of the nature being evil or bringing harm. Therefore, smoking can be considered haram as people die due to smoking. It is an addictive habit just like drinking alcohol. Smokers not only cause harm to them but also inflict harm upon others around them.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
“There should be neither harming nor reciprocating harm.” (Saheeh Al-Jami 7517)
Consuming intoxicants is haraam regardless of the way in which they are consumed.
The harms of smoking have been proved through evidence that doctors have agreed upon. Tobacco that is smoked is something evil and Almighty God has made lawful for his slaves everything that is good and beneficial and has forbidden all that is evil and harmful.
Therefore and in brief, smoking is a means of killing oneself slowly and Almighty Allah (God) has forbidden killing oneself, so no one should differ in this prohibition.
Say no to smoking and quit today!
