Is Smoking Cigarette Forbidden

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Question

Is smoking cigarettes forbidden in Islam, or is it only disliked (makruh)?

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Bottom Line

Halal or Makruh, either way, the lungs are not happy.

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Quick Answer

Earlier scholars debated its ruling, but today, with overwhelming medical evidence, most scholars say smoking is haram, and others say it is Makruh. It destroys health, wastes wealth, and harms others.

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Key Takeaway

• Early view: Some permitted smoking when its harms were unknown.
• Classical view: Some said it is makruh, like garlic/onion for its smell.
• Modern consensus: Most scholars say haram due to fatal harm.
• WHO reports over 8 million deaths per year from smoking-related diseases.

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Detailed Answer

The Quran and Hadith contain ample guidance, which helps to promote good health. Maintaining a balanced diet of permissible foods and drink, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy attitude towards life is encouraged in Islam. Undoubtedly, some foods and drinks are beneficial and good, and others are harmful and bad

With regards to smoking, we do have a difference of opinion; however, none say it is good for health. Earlier scholars debated its ruling, but today, with overwhelming medical evidence, most scholars say smoking is haram, and others say it is Makruh. It destroys health, wastes wealth, and harms others.

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View 1: Mubah

When tobacco first spread in the Muslim world, some scholars permitted it, comparing it to coffee, since it was not intoxicating.

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View 2: Makruh

Others said it was makruh because of its offensive odor, based on the hadith:

“Whoever eats garlic or onion, let him keep away from us and our mosque.”

Sahih al-Bukhari 5452

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View 3: Haram

Modern scholars, including Shaykh Ibn Baz, Shaykh Ibn Uthaymeen, and the Standing Committee, ruled smoking haram. It falls under Qur’anic prohibitions of self-harm and waste:

“And do not kill yourselves. Indeed, Allah is ever Merciful to you.”

Al-Nisa 4:29

And the Prophet ﷺ said:

“There should be neither harming nor reciprocating harm.”

Sunan Ibn Majah 2340

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Modern Context and Health Evidence

• WHO (2021): Smoking causes 8 million deaths annually.
• CDC (2020): Smoking is linked to cancer, heart disease, lung disease, and stroke.
• Financial harm: billions wasted worldwide, often by low-income households.
• Islamic law prohibits both self-destruction (tahlukah) and waste (israf).

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Steps to Quit Smoking

Breaking addiction is hard, but possible, and every small effort counts as worship. Practical steps:

1. Make sincere intention (niyyah): Remind yourself that quitting is for Allah and your health.
2. Seek support: Join a quit-smoking program or tell family/friends for accountability.
3. Gradual cut-down: Reduce daily cigarettes before stopping completely.
4. Replace the habit: Use sugar-free gum, dates, or a stress ball to manage cravings.
5. Use medical help: Nicotine patches, therapy, or doctor guidance can ease withdrawal.
6. Avoid triggers: Stay away from social settings or routines where you usually smoke.
7. Dua and dhikr: Ask Allah for strength, and remember the hadith: “Whoever gives up something for the sake of Allah, Allah will compensate him with something better.” Musnad Ahmad 20739

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What This Means for You

Smoking may have been debated in the past, but today its harm is undeniable. Quitting protects your health, your wealth, and your worship. It is not just a medical decision; it is an act of faith.

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And Allah knows best.

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References

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Primary Sources

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Qur’an

1. Al-Nisa 4:29: Do not kill yourselves; Allah is Merciful to you.
2. Al-Baqarah 2:195: Do not throw yourselves into destruction.
3. Al-A‘raf 7:31: Do not be extravagant; Allah does not love the extravagant.

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Hadith

4. Sunan Ibn Majah 2340: “There should be neither harming nor reciprocating harm.”
5. Sahih al-Bukhari 5452: Angels are offended by what offends humans (applied to foul smells).
6. Musnad Ahmad 20739: Whoever leaves something for Allah, Allah will replace it with something better.

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Secondary Sources

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7. Shaykh Ibn Baz, Fatawa, Vol. 19: Declares smoking haram due to clear harm.
8. Shaykh Ibn Uthaymeen, Liqaa al-Bab al-Maftuh: Smoking forbidden as harmful and wasteful.
9. Standing Committee for Fatwa, Vol. 13: Prohibits smoking under Islamic law.
10. World Health Organization, Tobacco Fact Sheet (2021): Smoking causes 8 million deaths annually.
11. CDC, Smoking & Health Data (2020): Links smoking to cancer, heart disease, stroke, and lung illness.