Fatwa no.
18668
Q: One day I went to see a man who was said to be able to treat people through the Holy Qur’an. After I had talked to him, he asked if I smoke. |
| (
Part No :
23,Page No:344) |
|
I told him that I did and he said that he knew a way that, In sha’a-Allah (if Allah wills), would help me stop smoking. He asked if I really wanted to and when I said that I did - because I have made many attempts to stop in vain - he told me to place my hand in his and that two angels would descend from heaven, and, although I would not be able to see them, they would bear witness to what we would do. He told me to repeat what he said and promised that, after doing this, I would never smoke again, In sha’a-Allah. So I placed my hand in his hand and he said, “I vow to give up smoking from this moment on and if I ever smoke again, I will observe Sawm (Fasting) for two successive months and it will not be permissible for me to give Sadaqah (voluntary charity) instead.” I repeated what the man said. After three weeks, I started smoking again, as I could not stop for any longer than that. I have now been looking for a way to stop for four years, but to no avail as I work in a company until 3:30 pm and get home at 4:00 pm. I only have one month’s annual leave and cannot take two months. Also, during the last four years I have suffered from so many bad things in my life. Please give me a Fatwa (legal opinion issued by a qualified Muslim scholar) in regard to this vow and may Allah reward you best!
A:
It is obligatory on you to stop smoking; because it is Haram (prohibited) and has many bad effects on your religion, life, and body. If you sincerely intend to stop smoking out of obedience to Allah, He will help you stop. |
| (
Part No :
23,Page No:345) |
|
May Allah make matters easy for you and protect you from its evils.
In regard to the vow you made to oblige yourself to stop smoking, which you broke when you smoked again, you have to make
kaffarah (expiation) for the broken oath. You have to feed ten needy people with 1.5 kg, of the usual food from in your country, clothe them with one garment each, or free a believing slave. If you are unable to do any of these three, you have to observe Sawm (Fasting) for three days.
In regard to what you said about the man who told you to place your hand in his, it was all lies and falsehood. It is not permissible for you to believe him or even go to see him.
May Allah grant us success! May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions!
Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta’