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Smoking and vaping have become widespread practices in today’s society, with many people developing addictions to these habits.
From a religious standpoint, especially within Islam, there are clear guidelines regarding such harmful practices.
Let’s break down the Islamic ruling and reasoning behind the prohibition of smoking tobacco, vaping, and selling such substances.
Tobacco and Vaping: Are They Haram?
In the past, people would justify smoking by saying, “It’s grown from the earth, so it’s natural.” Some even argued that if smoking tobacco is permissible (halal), they would smoke it; and if it was forbidden (haram), they would burn it.
However, such arguments are deeply flawed and oversimplified. Islam teaches that any form of harm to the body or soul is prohibited, regardless of its origin.
The act of smoking, whether it’s cigarettes or electronic alternatives like vaping, is considered haram.
Why? Because health professionals, including doctors and physicians, have consistently stated that smoking is harmful to the body.
The Quran explicitly highlights the importance of avoiding things that are harmful or damaging to oneself.
In Surah Al-A’raf, Allah describes the mission of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as guiding people away from things that are impure or damaging:
“…He commands them to do good and forbids them from evil, permits for them what is lawful and forbids to them what is impure, …” (Quran 7:157)
Based on this principle, anything that poses harm to one’s health falls under the category of what is impure and thus haram in Islam.
The Natural Rejection of Harmful Substances
Let’s take a practical example. When we give children sugary drinks or candies, they eagerly accept them and enjoy the taste. On the other hand, if you offer a child a cigarette or vape, their body will naturally reject it.
They’ll likely cough, their eyes might turn red, and they might even feel nauseous or faint. This reaction is the body’s way of telling us that cigarettes and similar substances are unnatural and harmful.
Over time, however, people train their bodies to tolerate, and even crave, smoking. The unpleasant reactions that one experiences at the start fade as their body adapts to the toxins.
Eventually, smokers find great enjoyment in these harmful practices, which becomes a mental and physical trap. For instance, smokers often claim that their favorite cigarette is the one they smoke after a meal or with a cup of Turkish coffee.
This shows how addiction can trick the mind into associating pleasure with something inherently harmful.
The Dangers of Vaping
In recent years, vaping has been marketed as a “safer” alternative to smoking, but this is far from the truth. Medical experts and institutions have raised concerns about the negative health impacts of vaping.
As a result, many Islamic scholars have issued fatwas declaring vaping as haram, similar to cigarettes.
It is crucial to remember that Islam encourages the preservation of health, and any habit that undermines one’s well-being is strictly forbidden.
Selling and Profiting from Harmful Substances
An important aspect of this discussion is the sale of cigarettes, vapes, or any other harmful products. Islam not only forbids the consumption of haram substances but also prohibits profiting from them.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught that when Allah prohibits something, He also prohibits engaging in transactions involving that item. This means that selling or trading cigarettes, vapes, or any harmful substance is also haram.
Engaging in the sale of harmful substances not only harms the individual using them but also contributes to the spread of harmful practices in society.
Profiting from such activities goes against the ethical and moral principles laid out in Islam. The wealth gained through such means is considered impure and would not bring true blessing or satisfaction.
Conclusion: Prioritizing Health and Well-Being in Islam
In summary, both smoking and vaping are considered haram in Islam due to the harm they cause to one’s health.
Islam emphasizes the importance of protecting the body, which is a gift from Allah. When medical experts highlight the dangers of a practice, it is the duty of Muslims to heed those warnings.
Furthermore, selling harmful substances like cigarettes or vapes is equally forbidden, as it contributes to the spread of harm.
Islam’s approach is clear: protect your health, avoid harmful practices, and engage in ethical, beneficial transactions. In doing so, we not only protect ourselves but also contribute to the well-being of society at large.
