Is smoking haram? Ever wondered what the answer to this question is? In this blog I tackle this query so you can put your mind to ease about the topic.
Islam is a religion that has specific rules and regulations regarding what is considered permissible (halal) and what is not (haram). Muslims are expected to follow these guidelines in order to maintain their faith.
Halal practices involve those things which are considered permissible by Islamic law. This includes things such as eating certain types of food (for example, halal chicken), drinking, smoking, and so on. Haram practices, on the other hand, involve those things which are considered forbidden by Islamic law. This includes things such as gambling, drinking alcohol, eating pork, and so on.
It is important to note that there is some flexibility when it comes to halal and haram practices. For example, some Muslims may choose to eat pork if it is the only food available to them and they are starving. In cases such as this, the Muslim is allowed to break the rules in order to save their life.
Overall, halal and haram practices are important for Muslims to follow. These guidelines help to ensure that Muslims are living according to the teachings of Islam.
A Closer Look
There is no specific mention of smoking in the Quran or hadith, but modern scholars have nonetheless criticised it as potentially hazardous and, in certain cases, outright forbidden due to the serious health effects that it results in. Although Saudi Arabia ranks 23rd in the world for the proportion of its population that smokes, Arab Muslims typically forbid it, and in South Asia, smoking tends to be considered lawful but discouraged. In Indonesia, which has the largest Muslim population in the world, smoking is also generally frowned upon but not strictly prohibited.
So what does Islam say about smoking? Are there any clear cut rulings on whether or not it is permissible?
Unfortunately, there is no definitive answer. Some scholars argue that smoking is permissible if it does not cause harm to oneself or others, while others argue that it is strictly forbidden due to the health risks it poses. Ultimately, it is up to each individual Muslim to make a decision on whether or not to smoke, taking into account all of the relevant factors.
However, one thing is clear – smoking is generally discouraged in Islam. This is because of the potential harms it can cause, both to the smoker and to those around them. If you do choose to smoke, it is important to be mindful of the negative impact it can have on your health and the health of those around you. Smoking is also an expensive habit, and so it is important to consider whether or not you can afford it before taking it up.
Source
Reference – The above is confirmed from various sources, including “Influence of Islam on smoking among Muslims“.
So, Is Smoking Haram and Halal? – Bottom Line
While there is no straightforward answer to the question, it is best to avoid smoking. It is a harmful practice with long-term effects on your body. While it is condemned specifically in some part of the world, others may find it acceptable. Ultimately the responsibility to look after your body lies with you, and I hope you will make the best decision for yourself. Thanks for reading!