Q 3: A man, when advised to give up smoking, says that smoking is not Haram (prohibited). What is the ruling on smoking? Is it permissible to offer Salah (Prayer) behind someone who smokes?

A: Smoking is Haram, because it is proved to be harmful and evil and involves extravagance. Allah (Exalted be He) says: ...and prohibits them as unlawful Al-Khabâ’ith (i.e. all evil and unlawful as regards things, deeds, beliefs, persons and foods) As far as Salah behind a smoker is concerned; if leaving Salah behind him results in missing the Jumu`ah (Friday) Prayer or the congregational Salah or leads to Fitnah (temptation), it is obligatory to offer Salah behind him, as a form of giving preference to the less harmful option. If leaving Salah behind him by some people does not result in missing the Jumu`ah Prayer or the congregational Salah and does not entail harm, it will be obligatory to stop performing Salah behind him, especially when this action will deter him, prevent him from smoking, (Part No. 22; Page No. 179) and encourage him to abandon what is prohibited. This action is a form of resisting evil. If leaving Salah behind him does not entail harm or result in missing the Jumu`ah Prayer or the congregational Salah and does not deter him, a Muslim is recommended to look for another Muslim who is not known for his wickedness and sin. This is more perfect for their Salah and also safeguards their religion.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.