What is the ruling of Smoking?
In the name of Allah, the most Beneficent, the most Merciful.
Scholars all over the world differ on the ruling of smoking. Arab scholars are of the view that smoking is Haraam as it is a slow method of suicide and commiting suicide is haraam in Islam. Furthermore, it creates bad smell and is a waste of money.
Allah (SWA) in the Holy Qur’an has said;
“And do not put yourselves into destruction.” (Surah Al Baqarah V.195)
“And do not squander recklessly. Surely, squanderers are brothers to Shaitan, and the Shaitan is very ungrateful to his lord. (Surah Bani Israaeel V.27)
Scholars from the Indian Sub Continent are of the view that smoking is Makruh Tahrimi as there is not enough strength in the above reasons to say it is Haraam. Makruh Tahrimi is a disliked act very close to Haram. However, this does not mean that this view encourages smoking. Makruh Tahrimi should be avoided and if a person does a Makruh Tahrimi act he should repent and ask forgiveness from Allah (SWA)
Only Allah Knows Best
Mohammed Tosir Miah
Darul Ifta Birmingham.