SMOKING– A HUMAN KILLER.
Most Muslims are aware of and try to avoid the major sins in Islam –
murder, suicide, adultery, alcohol, gambling, usury, etc. Muslims are forbidden to harm themselves or others. Yet millions of Muslims all over the world are doing just that – harming, even killing themselves and their families. Many people had mixed views on the subject, and the actions of theseMuslims have not been unanimously forbidden or even discouraged.
Smoking is one of the things which has caused a lot of problems and harm these days and it has spread like wild fire. Before we discuss this topic in detail, we should know that Allah (Glory be to Him), the Almighty has divided things in the world into two types, good or permissible (al-tayyibaat, al-halaal) and evil or prohibited (al-khabaa’ith, al-haraam), and there is no third type. Allah(Glory be to Him), says (interpretation of the meaning): “And He makes good things halaal for them and bad things haraam.” Qur’an.Surah A’raf 7:157 Considering this fact, smoking can either be permissible and good or prohibited and evil.
The danger is tobacco use – cigarette and cigar smoking, chew, etc. The mixed views on the subject came about because cigarettes are a more recent invention and did not exist at the time of the revelation of the Qur’an. Therefore, one cannot find an ayath of the Qur’an or words of the Prophet Muhammad(May Allah honour Him and grant Him peace) saying clearly that”Cigarette smoking is forbidden.” Qur’an is a book of SIGNS. There are many instances where then Qur’an gives us general guidelines, and seek guidance from Allah(Glory be to Him) about what is right and wrong. In the Qur’an, Allah(Glory be to Him),says, ….he [the Prophet] commands them what is just, and forbids them what is evil; he allows them as lawful what is good, and prohibits them from what is bad…” (Qur’an.Surah Ar’af 7:157). So let us know in detail what are the evils of tobacco use, for your health and for your deen (way of life from Allah) also. [1]
Qur’an on At Tayyibaat and Al Khabaa’ithSmoking is haraam, because it is evil and because it causes a great deal of harm. Allah(Glory be to Him),has permitted to His slaves only good kinds of food and drink, and He has forbidden the bad kinds. Allah (Glory be to Him),says: “he allows them as lawful At Tayyibaat (i.e. all good and lawful as regards things, deeds, beliefs, persons and foods), and prohibits them as unlawful Al Khabaa’ith (i.e. all evil and unlawful as regards things, deeds, beliefs, persons and foods)” Qur’an.Surah A’raf 7:157
All forms of smoking are kinds of khabaa’ith (evil and unlawful things), and they include harmful and intoxicating substances. It is haraam to deal with it in any way, whether one inhales it, chews it or deals with it in any of its other forms. It is obligatory upon every Muslim to give up these things and to hasten to repent to Allah(Glory be to Him), and to regret having committed this sin, and to resolve never to go back to it.[2]
HadithSmoking also goes against the saying of the Prophet Muhammad(May Allah honour Him and grant Him peace): “Your body has a right on you.” Sahih Al Bukhari, Vol 7, Hadith 127 Many cigarette smokers come with logic that it’s their own body. So its risks of health problems are on their ownself. If something happens to my health because of smoking then I only will die. But they should remember the below hadith. Allah’s Messenger Muhammad (May Allah honour Him and grant Him peace)said: None of you should wish for death, for if he is a doer of good, he may increase his good deeds, and if he is an evil doer, he may repent to God.” – Sahih Al Bukhari, Vol 7:577 [3]
Danger of TobaccoDanger to your health
Allah (Glory be to Him), says,”…make not your own hands contribute to your destruction…”(Qur’an.Surah Baqarah 2:195);”…nor kill yourselves…” (Qur’an.Surah Nisaa 4:29). It is universally understood that cigarette smoking causes a number of health problems that often ultimately result in death. Men who smoke contract lung cancer at 22 times the rate of non-smokers. Smokers are also highly at risk for heart disease, emphysema, oral cancer, stroke, etc. There are hundreds of poisonous and toxic ingredients in the cigarette itself that the smoker inhales straight into the lungs. In an authentic hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (May Allah honour Him and grant Him peace) said that “Whomsoever drinks poison, thereby killing himself, will sip this poison forever and ever in the fire of Jahannum (Hell).” Sahih al-Bukhari 5778 (Vol. 7:670) According to WHO figures, smoking is responsible for approximately five million deaths worldwide every year.
Danger to your family’s health
In the Qur’an, Allah(Glory be to Him), says: “Those who annoy believing men and women undeservedly bear on themselves a glaring sin” (Qur’an.Surat Ahzaab 33:58). And the Prophet Muhammad(May Allah honour Him and grant Him peace) said that “there should be neither harming, nor reciprocating harm.? Sahih Al Jamee 7517, Classed as sahih by sheikh Albani in Ibn Majah 1909,1910 and Urwa al Ghalil 896 In another hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (May Allah honour Him and grant Him peace) said: “Anyone who believes in Allah (Glory be to Him), and the Last Day should not hurt his neighbour.” Sahih al-Bukhari 6475 (Vol.8:482) Those around the smoker inhale what is known as “second-hand smoke” – the unfiltered, poisonous waste that goes in the air around the smoker. There are over 4,000 chemicals in cigarette smoke, over 40 of which are known to cause cancer. Second-hand smoke causes or aggravates asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory problems, especially in children.
Addictive
The addiction to tobacco is a physical response that often interferes with one’s life and worship. For example, most Muslimsare aware that it is forbidden to smoke during the fasting days of Ramadan. Many of these addicted smokers spend their fasting days sleeping, cranky, and short-tempered, just counting the hours until they can have their fix. There have been times when the most severely addicted will wait outside the masjid door for the adhaan, and break their fast by lighting up, before taking even food or water.
Noxious Smell
Muslims are advised to refrain from eating raw onions and garlic – simply as a courtesy to those around them. Nobody likes the smell. The same goes even more so for the reek of cigarettes, which permeates everything around the smoker – hair, clothing, home, car, etc. The Prophet Muhammad(May Allah honour Him and grant Him peace): whoever has eaten from such greens as garlic, onions or leek should keep away from our masjids, Sahih Al Bukhari Vol 1:814. Many smokers try to hide the smell by using breath mints or perfume or Chewing gums. This does not get rid of the smell, it only masks it. Often the combination of smells is even more nauseating.
Waste of Money
Allah(Glory be to Him), says, “…But spend not wastefully (your wealth) in the manner of a spendthrift. Verily spendthrifts are brothers of the devils…? Qur’an.Surah Isra 17:26-27 And in an authentic hadith the Prophet Muhammad(May Allah honour Him and grant Him peace) said that: “Allah hates for you three things: gossiping, begging, and wasting money.” In the U.S. and other countries, cigarettes are taxed heavily in order to discourage this habit and reimburse the government for the overwhelming health care costs to care for those afflicted with diseases caused by smoking. Smokers often spend thousands of dollars a year that literally just go up in smoke. The Prophet Muhammad(May Allah honour Him and grant Him peace) said: “A person will not be able to move on the Day of Judgment until he is asked about ….. what he owned as to how he spent it.” [4]
Scholars View
In more recent times, as these dangers of tobacco use have come to be proven beyond any doubt, scholars have become more unanimous in pronouncing tobacco use clearly Haraam (forbidden) to believers. They now use the strongest terms to condemn this habit.
Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (May Allah have mercy on Him) – The smoker is one who is engaging in something haraam, since smoking (itself) is haraam, Fataawa Manaar al-Islaam – Vol 3, 615
Hasheesh of all types is haraam, whether it is marijuana or any other type.
Al-‘Allaamah Ibn Hajar al-Haythami (May Allah have mercy on Him) said speaking of hasheeh: The evidence for its being forbidden is the report narrated by Ahmad in his Musnad and by Abu Dawood in his Sunan with a saheeh isnaad from Umm Salamah (may Allah be pleased with him) who said: The Messenger of Allah Prophet Muhammad(May Allah honour Him and grant Him peace)forbade all kinds of intoxicants and relaxants. The scholars said that relaxants are things that cause drowsiness and languor in the limbs. Al-Fataawa al-Fiqhiyyah 4/233
Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah (may Allah have mercy on him) said: Consuming this hasheesh in solid form is haraam, and it is one of the most evil of haraam plants, whether a little of it is consumed or a lot. Al-Fataawa al-Kubra 3/425 [5]
The ruling on selling Cigarettes and Drugs and then giving Charity with its Money
It is not permissible to do business with cigarettes, drugs and other forbidden things, because it is from the wicked things and due to what it contains of physical, spiritual and financial harm. If the person wants to give charity or perform Hajj or spend his money in acts of righteousness, he should seek to the good from his wealth to give charity with or perform Hajj with or spend in acts of righteousness.
This is due to the generality of Allah’s Statement: O you who believe! Spend from the good things that you have (legally) earned and from what we have proved for you from the earth. And do not aim at that which is bad to spend it, (though) you would not accept it except if you close your eyes and tolerate therein. Qur’an.Surah Baqarah 2:267
And also the Prophet’s statement: Verily, Allah(Glory be to Him),is good and He only accepts good. Sahih Muslim 1015, Fatawa Islamiyah Darussalam Vol:4 no.425[6]
The risk in smoking
There are 4,000 chemical components found in cigarettes and at least 250 of them are harmful to human health, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Smoking and Cancer
Smoking causes the following cancers:Acute myeloid leukemiaBladder cancerCancer of the cervixCancer of the esophagusKidney cancerCancer of the larynx (voice box)Lung cancerCancer of the oral cavity (mouth)Pancreatic cancerCancer of the pharynx (throat)Stomach cancer [7]
How to Quit?
As mentioned, one of the dangers of tobacco is that it is so addicting. It causes a physical response in your body when you try to give it up. Therefore, quitting is often difficult. However, with the help of Allah(Glory be to Him), and the personal commitment to improve yourself for the sake of Allah (Glory be to Him), , and for your own health, it is possible. It is first recommended to make the firm intention, from deep in your heart, to give up this evil habit. Trust in Allah’s words: “…When you have taken a decision, put your trust in Allah(Glory be to Him),. For Allah (Glory be to Him), loves those who put their trust in Him. If Allah(Glory be to Him), help you, none can overcome you; if He forsakes you, who is – after that – that can help you? In Allah(Glory be to Him),, then, let believers put their trust” Qur’an.Surah lmran 3:159-160
Secondly, one must avoid situations where you are used to smoking, and people who do so around you. For example, if you have certain friends who gather together and they all constantly smoke – make a choice Allah (Glory be to Him), gave you free will to choose!) to stay away from that environment for the time being. At a vulnerable stage, it is too easy to get sucked back in by having “just one.” Remember, tobacco causes a physical addiction and you must stay away completely. Drink a lot of water and keep yourself busy in other endeavors. And remember the words of Allah(Glory be to Him), : “And those who strive hard in Our Cause, We will certainly guide them to Our Paths, for verily Allah (Glory be to Him), is with those who do right? Quran.Surah Ankabut 29:69
Living With a Smoker
If you live with or are friends with smokers, first of all encourage them to quit, for the sake of Allah(Glory be to Him), their deen, and their health. If they refuse (and ultimately we will face Allah (Glory be to Him) alone, you have the right to protect your own health and the health of your children. Do not allow it in the house. Do not allow it in enclosed quarters with your family. Even if the smoker is a parent, we are not to obey our parents in things which are forbidden by Allah(Glory be to Him). [8]
And this is a reminder to all of us. As we all know the facts (from the CIA book of records):
1) Total world population: about 7+ billion
2) Total population of Muslims: 2 billion (2,023,829,080) i.e. out of every 4 human on this earth, one is a Muslim.
3) Total cigarette smokers in the world: 1.15 billion (1,158,536,585) i.e. 18% of the population approximately.
4) Total Muslim cigarette smokers in the world (according to the world percentage): 400,000,000 approximately. (400 million).
Fact sheetSmoking causes deathThe adverse health effects from cigarette smoking account for an estimated 443,000 deaths, or nearly one of every five deaths, each year in the United States.2,3More deaths are caused each year by tobacco use than by all deaths from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), illegal drug use, alcohol use, motor vehicle injuries, suicides, and murders combined.2,4Smoking causes an estimated 90% of all lung cancer deaths in men and 80% of all lung cancer deaths in women.1An estimated 90% of all deaths from chronic obstructive lung disease are caused by smoking
Tobacco use in middle school students
The most recent numbers on tobacco use among US middle school students come from a 2011 survey by the CDC. (Middle school includes children in grades 6, 7, and 8.)More than 7% of middle school students reported using some form of tobacco − cigarettes, spit or other oral tobacco, cigars, pipes, and flavored cigarettes like bidis or kreteks – at least once in the past 30 days.Over 4% of the students had smoked cigarettes, and 3.5% had smoked cigars. About 2% had used spit or other smokeless tobacco. Around 2% had smoked pipes and the same number had smoked bidis (about 2%). A little over 1% had smoked kreteks.Boys (about 10%) were more likely than girls (about 7%) to use some form of tobacco.
Do you know?
1. Phillip Morris is the largest tobacco & cigarette manufacturing company in the world.
2. Phillip Morris donates 12% of its profits to Israel.
3. If 400 million Muslims smoke a packet of cigarette each on average per day (average cost per packet being $2.00) – only us Muslims contribute $ 800 million to the Phillip Morris company.
4. Let us assume 10% profit on this amount, which sums up to $ 80 million.
5. 12 % of the profits go to Israel – 12% of $80 million = $ 9.6 million.
$ 9.6 million per day!
This is the amount that we Muslims are contributing to Israel and helping them kill our children in Palestine. [9]
Hookah / Sheesha (Shisha)
Hookah smoking is in fact more dangerous and harmful than cigarette smoking, because you inhale more nicotine via this method. According to a recent World Health Organization (WHO) advisory, a typical one-hour session of hookah smoking exposes the user to 100 to 200 times the volume of smoke inhaled from a single cigarette.
Hookah is also called narghile (nar-guh-lee) smoking. It started in Asia and the Middle East and involves burning tobacco that has been mixed with flavors such as honey, molasses, or dried fruit in a water pipe and inhaling the flavored smoke through a long hose. Charcoal is usually used to heat the tobacco mixture, which is known as shisha or goza. Hookah smoking is usually a social event which allows the smokers to spend time together and talk as they pass the pipe around. [10]
Referenceso http://www.askislampedia.com/wiki/-/wiki/English_wiki/Smoking#.U2iRvfl_v6U
[1] http://www.themodernreligion.com/misc/hh/smoking-suicide.htm
[2] http://www.islamqa.com/en/ref/110/smoking
[3] http://www.sunnah.com/
[4] http://www.themodernreligion.com/misc/hh/smoking-suicide.htm
[5] http://islamqa.info/en/ref/115761
[6] http://www.fatwaislam.com/fis/index.cfm?scn=fd&ID=1046
[7] http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/physical_health/conditions/smoking_health_effects.shtml[8] http://www.themodernreligion.com/misc/hh/smoking-suicide.htm
[9] http://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancercauses/tobaccocancer/childandteentobaccouse/child-and-teen-tobacco-use-child-and-teen-tobacco-use
[10] http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hookah/AN01265