Ruling on the Trade of Tobacco in Islam

Authored by: Dr. Muhammad Zia-ur-Rahman Azmi (رحمہ اللہ)

Ruling on Smoking Tobacco and Its Trade

In Islam, smoking tobacco is considered haram (prohibited) due to the significant harm and damage it causes. Consequently, its cultivation and trade are also deemed haram, as they contribute to promoting and facilitating a harmful and impure substance.

Evidence from Hadith and Qur'an

  1. Prohibition of Harm:
    The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
    "Do not harm others, nor reciprocate harm."
    [Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 2340]
Since tobacco causes undeniable harm to health and society, its consumption, trade, and cultivation fall under this prohibition.
  1. Prohibition of Impure Substances:
    Allah (سبحانہ وتعالیٰ) described the mission of the Prophet (ﷺ):
    "He makes lawful for them the pure things and prohibits for them the impure things."
    [Al-A’raf: 157]
Tobacco is classified as a "khabeeth" (impure) substance due to its harmful effects, making it impermissible to consume or trade.
  1. Permissibility Limited to Pure Things:
    Allah (سبحانہ وتعالیٰ) says:
    "They ask you what has been made lawful for them. Say, 'Lawful for you are the pure things.'”
    [Al-Ma’idah: 4]
This verse emphasizes that Muslims should engage only in what is pure (tayyibat) and avoid impure (khabaith) activities or substances like tobacco.

Scholarly Opinion

The Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta stated:

"Smoking tobacco is haram due to its harmful effects. Its cultivation, trade, and any involvement in its production or sale are equally prohibited."
[Fatwa No. 4947]

Conclusion

  1. Smoking Tobacco:
    • Smoking is prohibited due to its harmful and impure nature.
  2. Tobacco Trade and Cultivation:
    • Selling, cultivating, or profiting from tobacco is impermissible, as it promotes harm and violates the principles of purity in Islam.
Muslims should refrain from engaging in any activity that involves tobacco and seek alternative, halal means of income that align with Islamic values.

Allah knows best.
 
Back
Top