Is smoking haram in Islam?

Detailed answer

The view of most contemporary scholars and major fatwa councils is that smoking is haram (forbidden). The main reason is the well-established harm it does to the smoker, to the people around them and to their money. When tobacco first appeared, some scholars considered it only disliked (makruh), because its harm was not yet known; today that harm is beyond doubt, and the ruling has followed the evidence.

What the Quran and Sunnah say

No verse names tobacco, but the Quran gives general principles that apply to it:

• "Do not throw yourselves into destruction with your own hands" (Al-Baqarah 2:195).
• "Do not kill yourselves" (An-Nisa 4:29).
• The Prophet "makes lawful for them the good things and forbids them the bad things" (Al-A'raf 7:157).

The Prophet also said: "There should be no harm and no causing of harm" (Ibn Majah). Smoking harms the body, and second-hand smoke harms others, including children. It also wastes money, and the Quran warns against squandering wealth.

Smoking and Ramadan

Smoking during fasting hours breaks the fast, as explained in does smoking break the fast? Most scholars treat vaping the same way; see does vaping break the fast? This means every smoker who fasts already goes without cigarettes for many hours a day. Ramadan proves that you can do it.

Tips to quit

• Make a sincere intention and ask Allah for help, especially at suhoor and before iftar.
• Do not make up for the day by smoking more at night. Cut down a little each evening until you stop.
• Replace the after-iftar cigarette with a walk, a glass of water, tea or going to Taraweeh.
• Talk to a doctor or a stop-smoking service. They can offer support and treatments that make quitting easier.
• Remove cigarettes and lighters from your home and car.

Quitting is hard, and slips happen. Do not lose hope: Allah loves those who turn back to Him again and again (Al-Baqarah 2:222). Each day without smoking is a gain for your health and your faith, and Eid can be your first celebration as a non-smoker.