Say "No" to Smoking
Many Muslims regard smoking as Makrooh (disliked) by the Shariah but not Haraam ( forbidden). Whenever advice is given in this regard they choose to ignore it. Though people know the evil effects of smoking, it seems that Shaytaan and their nafs wants them to continue wasting their money and cause harm to their bodies and health.
Certainly, Cigarettes were not present during the lifetime of the Prophet Muhammed (S.A.W.), however rulings and guidelines with regards to similar substances are present in the two Revelations: the Qur’aan and the authentic Sunnah (hadith).
As a rule, the Qur’aan forbids every thing that is evil. As Allah says:
"Those who follow the Messenger, the unlettered prophet, whom they find mentioned in their own (Scriptures);― in the Law and the Gospel;― for he commands them what is just and forbids them what is evil: he allows them as lawful what is good (and pure) and prohibits them from what is bad (and impure); He releases them from their heavy burdens and from the yokes that are upon them. So it is those who believe in him honour, him, help him, and follow the Light which is sent down with him― it is they who will prosper." {Surah al-Ar’’af (7): 157}
Evil and sin manifests itself in things, deeds, beliefs, persons, foods, drinks, etc. So, If it is proved that smoking is among the evil, this is in itself enough for the Believers to realize that smoking is forbidden, in the light of the above stated verse of Surah al-Ar’’af.
1. Smoking is a Killer:
It causes diseases like lung cancer, tuberculosis and heart diseases (just to mention a few). And we know that Allah forbids us from killing ourselves.
"O ye who believe! Eat not up your property among yourselves in vanities: but let there be amongst you traffic and trade by mutual good-will: nor kill (or destroy) yourselves: for verily Allah hath been to you Most Merciful. " {Surah An Nisa(4): 29}
Allah also says:
"And spend of your substance in the cause of Allah, and make not your own hands contribute to (your) destruction; but do good; for Allah loveth those who do good. ” {Surah al-Baqarah (2):195}
2. Smoking burns (wastes) wealth:
"And render to the kindred their due rights, as (also) to those in want and to the wayfarer: but squander not (your wealth) in the manner of a spendthrift. Verily spendthrifts are brothers of the Evil Ones; and the Evil One is to his Lord (Himself) ungrateful." {Surah al-Israa’’ (17) 26-27}
Do we not see the Muslims who smoke? Those who hold on to every cent , only to burn all of it in cigerettes! ……. Subhaan Allaah, along with their health, money is also being wasted.
3. Smoking inflicts harm on non-smokers:
The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: "There should be neither harming, nor reciprocating harm."
{Saheeh al-Jaami # 7517}
Many people encounter breathing problems when they accidentally inhale smoke from someones pipe or cigerette, especially people suffering from bronchial asthma. It is also proved medically that non-smokers are harmed when in the company of smokers (i.e. passive smoking). The smoking of parents has been linked to respiratory problems in children and crib death. It is also the cause of many devastating fires.
4. Smoking causes the spread of sin and evil:
Since smoking is evil, Muslims who smoke should remember that they set a bad example on others when they smoke openly, encouraging young children and others to smoke.
5. Smoking affects worship:
Many smokers dislike fasting and sitting in Islamic study circles, lectures, because they constantly crave cigarettes. The smoker is an addict, both physically and psychologically.
6. Smoking makes the smoker and his surroundings smell bad:
Everything that a smoker comes in contact with smells of cigarettes; His car, clothes, home, etc. Therefore, when a smoker prays in congregation he hurts his fellow humans with his smell as well as the angels.
As the Messenger of Allah said:
“Whoever has eaten from such greens as garlic, onions or leek should keep away from our mosque. Truly, the angels are harmed by what harms the offspring of Aadam.” Saheeh al-Bukhari
The above points constitute clear evidence that smoking is evil, and is therefore Haraam (unlawful). If a Muslim is under any kind of stress, then he must turn to Allah for help. Even medical science has rejected outright, the myth that smoking calms the nerves. What we know for sure, is that the rememberence of Allah is healing, as Allah says:
"Those who believe, and whose hearts find satisfaction in the remembrance of Allah: for without doubt in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find satisfaction." {Surah 13:28}
So when the urge for smoking arises, resort to the Qur’aan and strive to comply with Allah’s commandments.
"And those who strive in Our (Cause)― We will certainly guide them to Our Paths: for verily Allah is with those who do right." {Surah al-Ankabut (29):69}
To Quit Smoking
One can use the following measures or guidances while relying on Allah, seeking His help and guidance ,to quit smoking.
1. Try to remember that you want to gain the pleasure of Allah. Throw away all leftover cigarettes ,remember you have made a firm intention not to smoke.
2. Minimize contact with smokers (this being the most important step).
3. Try to minimize drinking , especially drinks that become mentally related to smoking like coffee, tea, caffeine, cordene etc..
4. Whenever there is an urge to smoke, try to make yourself busy with something else, especially activities that keep your hands busy.
5. Try not to accept a cigarette from anyone.
6. Drink a lot of water when you quit smoking. Dehydration is the main cause of the symptoms of withdrawal.
7. Increase the use of the miswaak.
8. Keep company of the pious.
9. Keep the tongue busy with the remembrance of Allah (Dhikr)
10. Make dua.
11. Be strong and patient. Surely Allah loves those who are patient. And practice self-control and visit the mosque often for prayer. Try to pray all 5 prayers at the mosque.
12. Remember that whatever you are doing is good for your health, for your body, for your surroundings, for the people whom u love and for the people who love you, and for your religion.
Chemicals present in cigarettes—- Acidic acid. Acetone, Ammonia. Arsenic. Cadmium. Carbon MonoxideDDT, Ethanol, Formiline. Hexamine. Hydrogen. Cyanide. MethyleneNicotine. Nitrobenzene. Phenols. Stearic Acid, and many more. Smoking is injurious to health and is the main cause of lung diseases, including cancer.
