Smoked tobacco, also known as smoking, is a topic that has sparked much debate and controversy within the Islamic community. While the Quran and hadith do not explicitly mention smoking, contemporary scholars have condemned it as potentially harmful and have at times declared it haram (forbidden) due to the severe health damage it can cause. This article will explore the Islamic views on smoking, its history, and the fatwas that have been issued regarding its permissibility.
Islamic Views on Smoking
The Islamic views on smoking vary by region. Arab Muslims tend to prohibit smoking, despite Saudi Arabia having a high percentage of smokers in its population. In South Asia, smoking is considered lawful but discouraged. However, in recent years, the legal status of smoking has changed, and many fatwas now consider it haram due to Islamic law's general prohibition of actions that result in harm. Scholars also cite the Quran's exhortation not to waste money and the obligation to avoid causing harm to others as reasons for classifying smoking as prohibited.
Fatwas condemning smoking have been issued in various countries, including Egypt, Indonesia, Kuwait, Malaysia, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. These fatwas serve as religious pronouncements that prohibit the usage of tobacco by Muslims. Prominent authorities such as Al-Azhar University in Cairo have also declared smoking haram.
History of Fatwas on Smoking
The earliest fatwa regarding smoking was issued in Morocco in 160King Ahmad al-Mansur sought guidance from religious scholars on the permissibility of smoking, and the ruling stated that smoking was forbidden in Islam due to its categorization as an intoxicant and harmful substance. However, this ruling had little effect on tobacco use, and the scholars who issued the fatwa were either killed or fled the country due to public backlash.
In recent years, tobacco fatwas have been issued due to health concerns associated with smoking. Scholars have emphasized the harmful effects of smoking on the body and mind, leading to a consensus among Muslim scholars that smoking is prohibited. The ruling against smoking is considered a minor prohibition in Islam, not as grave as major sins like adultery or theft.
Country-Specific Fatwas
Egypt
In 2000, the Grand Mufti of Egypt ruled that smoking was haram in Islam due to its detrimental health effects. This fatwa triggered substantial controversy in Egypt, with some religious figures supporting the ruling based on the Quranic verse and cast not yourselves to ruin with your own hands.
Indonesia
In 2009, the Indonesian Ulema Council declared smoking in public or near pregnant women haram, while smoking in general was considered makruh (discouraged). The Muhammadiyah organization also declared smoking haram in 20However, a study found that the fatwa had a limited effect on smoking rates and primarily discouraged non-smokers from starting.
Malaysia
The National Fatwa Council of Malaysia issued a fatwa against smoking in 1996, declaring it haram due to its detrimental health effects. A study conducted in Malaysia found that religious pressure against smoking was more effective at inspiring people to quit than social pressure. In 2015, the National Fatwa Council also declared electronic cigarettes haram.
Oman
In 1996, the Grand Mufti of Oman issued a fatwa prohibiting smoking and the sale of tobacco. He compared smoking to sipping poison and cited a Quranic verse to justify his ruling.
Philippines
The Supreme Council of Darul Ifta of the Philippines stated in 2010 that smoking cigarettes is haram.
Saudi Arabia
The Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia has ruled that smoking is impermissible based on authentic quotations, sound judgments, and the opinions of reputable physicians. He cited a sahih hadith and a Quranic verse to support his ruling.
United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates issued a fatwa against smoking and instructed imams in all mosques to deliver sermons against smoking in 199
Tobacco Industry Pushback
From the 1970s to the late 1990s, tobacco companies actively campaigned to undermine fatwas against smoking in Muslim majority countries. They branded any Muslim who opposed smoking as a fundamentalist and a threat to existing governments. Tobacco companies were concerned about the World Health Organization's encouragement of anti-smoking stances by Muslim scholars. However, despite their efforts, fatwas ruling smoking as impermissible have been issued by sheikhs of all four Sunni schools of fiqh and the Ibadi sect.
The Islamic views on smoking vary by region, but an increasing number of fatwas now consider smoking haram due to its harmful effects on health. Scholars emphasize the prohibition of actions that result in harm and the avoidance of causing harm to others. Fatwas against smoking have been issued in various countries, and the tobacco industry has faced pushback in their attempts to undermine these rulings. It is important for Muslims to consider the religious guidance provided by these fatwas and make informed decisions regarding smoking based on their beliefs and the potential risks to their health.
If you want to know other articles similar to Controversial topic: islamic jurisprudence & smoking you can visit the Controversial category.
Related Articles