Q: What is the ruling on smoking and taking snuff? The matter is controversial, as some say they are Haram (prohibited) and others hold that they are Makruh (disliked). Yet a third party argues that they are Mubah (permissible). Nevertheless, there is no evident Ayah (Qur'anic verse) or Hadith in the Qur'an and Sunnah (whatever is reported from the Prophet) to this effect. Please enlighten us, and may Allah be merciful with you!

A: Smoking, chewing and sniffing tobacco is Haram, as it causes much harm and is generally considered among the evil things. Though the prohibition of smoking or sniffing tobacco is not specifically stated in the Qur'an and the Sunnah, it is included under the general evidence supporting the prohibition of whatever entails harm and whatever is evil. Allah (Exalted be He) describes the Prophet (peace be upon him) and says: (Part No. 22; Page No. 203)  ...he commands them for Al-Ma‘rûf (i.e. Islâmic Monotheism and all that Islâm has ordained); and forbids them from Al-Munkar (i.e. disbelief, polytheism of all kinds, and all that Islâm has forbidden); he allows them as lawful At-Tayyibât (i.e. all good and lawful as regards things, deeds, beliefs, persons, foods), and prohibits them as unlawful Al-Khabâ’ith (i.e. all evil and unlawful as regards things, deeds, beliefs, persons and foods) Allah also says, ...and do not throw yourselves into destruction Further, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "There should be neither harming nor reciprocating harm." It has been medically proven that smoking is harmful; therefore, it is Haram. Moreover, wasting money on tobacco is prohibited, for Allah (Exalted be He) says: But spend not wastefully (your wealth) in the manner of a spendthrift. Verily, the spendthrifts are brothers of the Shayâtîn (devils), and the Shaitân (Devil-Satan) is ever ungrateful to his Lord. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.