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By: Shaikh Abdul Hamid Kishk (Rahmatullahi Alayh) Egypt
(Transcript)
Part 1: A Rebuttal to a Misguided Writer
It is a profound cause for sorrow and regret that a writer for a prominent newspaper recently published a most peculiar account. He described a Qaari of the Qur’an at a funeral who noticed a mourner smoking a cigarette. The Qaari commanded the man to extinguish his cigarette, and when he refused, the Qaari solemnly declared, “Sadaqallahul Atheem — The Word of Allah Almighty is true.”
This writer was offended by the reciter’s stance, dismissively comparing it to “lowering the curtain in a theatre.” He then audaciously demanded: “Who declared smoking forbidden? Who has decisively stated it is condemned? Did smoking even exist in the era of the four great Imams that we may now judge its users?”
He further twisted the scripture, citing the verse, “When the Qur’an is recited, listen to it and pay attention,” only to grant the smoker a false excuse using the verse on dire necessity.
What a tragedy! I had wished this writer would have humbled himself as a questioner, not arrogated the role of a jurist. Had he merely asked, he might be excused. But he presumed to issue a ruling, speaking about Islam not with its divine wisdom, but with his own feeble opinion.
Therefore, we declare to him with full force: Listen!
Answer this, sir: Would you permit your own son to smoke in your presence?
If the very thought is repulsive to you, then how dare you justify such an act in the sacred gatherings of Allah, the Lord of all worlds?
Sir, let this be unequivocal: Smoking is Haram (forbidden).
The evidence is the word of the Almighty: “He makes unlawful for them all impurity.” And smoke is filth.
Smoking is Haram based on the definitive decree of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alyhi wasallam): “There shall be no harm, and no reciprocating harm.” Smoking is a blatant harm—to your wealth and to your health.
Experts in physiology from universities in Vermont, America, have confirmed that a single cigarette contains 250 poisonous elements. The least of these elements causes cancer of the lungs.
Cancer of the lungs.
They explain that Allah has placed living cells within the lungs, designed specifically to destroy waste. When cigarette smoke invades, it annihilates these divine defense mechanisms.
You ask, “The Imams did not know smoking, so from where do you derive this ruling?”
We derive it from the eternal sources: the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Messenger, which remain valid until the Final Hour.
Umm Salamah (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) forbade every intoxicant and every Muftir (substance that causes weakness). There is no doubt that smoking—as attested by the Head of Physicians in Egypt—inflicts severe weakness upon the heart; indeed, most heart diseases stem from smoking.
So, sir, ask the Head of Physicians yourself. When he confirms that smoking is a debilitating poison, then remember the command of Allah’s Messenger: “There shall be no harm, and no reciprocating harm.”
As for your claim that sitting in a Qur’anic gathering constitutes “necessity,” know this: necessity is defined by its true, dire extent. Your presence as a smoker is no necessity. Your addiction is no excuse.
If you can master your urges in the gatherings of the Qur’an, then listen.
But if you cannot control yourself in the presence of Allah’s words, then we refuse to let the buzzing of a fly desecrate the table of Allah’s Book.
Part 2: A Direct Appeal to Smokers
Now, I seize this opportunity to say to those who smoke cigarettes: Fear Allah in your own hearts!
Smoking cigarettes leads to the blockage of the coronary artery—the very artery that carries life-giving blood to your heart. When this artery is clogged by your habit, how can blood possibly reach your heart?
I do not say this on the authority of Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, or Ali, lest you accuse me of blind allegiance. I convey to you the testimony of an American physician, Professor Maurice Green, a leading authority on physiology in American universities.
What does he say about the habit in which we squander our wealth? A habit that our own media—I seek Allah’s forgiveness—our own corrupted media outlets, now promote! A program aired during the Holy Month of Ramadan was called “Mouths and Rabbits,” and before each episode, the announcer would say: “Get ready to enjoy the episode with your favorite brand, Florida!”
Even the Head of Physicians in Egypt, a specialist in heart disease, sent out a desperate plea: “O media, fear Allah! Do not encourage people to smoke!”
What does Professor Maurice Green say? He states that in cigarette smoke, there are 250 harmful elements.
Two hundred and fifty poisonous elements.
Among them is one that causes cancer of the lungs.
He explains that within the lungs are divinely appointed living cells, a factory designed to destroy waste. When cigarette smoke enters, it paralyzes these cells. It cripples them. Once this Allah-given defense system is paralyzed, waste accumulates unchecked, and the lungs are consumed by cancer.
So fear Allah, O people of understanding!
Fear Allah with your wealth!
Fear Allah with your health!
