The translation of a few pages of a 756-year-old handwritten Arabic manuscript by Jenab Sadr-ud-din Mohammad ibn Abil Safa Al-Husaini (RA) written in 691 AH, preserved in my ancestral library. The Urdu translation has been done by Jenab Zafar Ahmad Bhat Buchwari and the English translation by Er Mohammad Ashraf Fazili
Er Mohammad Ashraf Fazili
In Islamic Fiqh, smoking tobacco and cigarettes, etc., is generally prohibited. The scholars have issued fatwas stating that since the use of tobacco badly affects health and causes severe societal losses, its use is prohibited by Shariah. As stated in the fatwa: “Smoking tobacco is prohibited as its use has harmful effects and dangerous results.”
The Holy Quran has declared gambling and the use of intoxicating substances as “filthy acts of Satan,” meaning they are more impure than the actions of Satan. The Prophet (SAW) has said, “Every (muskur) intoxicant is wine, and every wine is prohibited.” By including cigarettes and hemp in the group of substances that impair the intellect, it is a principle of Fiqh to consider these within the same category.
Injury to health: Smoking tobacco and cigarettes can lead to heart diseases and mental disturbances. Scholars state that “every harmful thing is prohibited.”
Loss of wealth: Shariah does not tolerate the waste of one’s wealth. Spending money on cigarettes without necessity is considered a form of wastefulness and violence.
Etiquette of the Masjid: Carrying cigarettes, lighters, or pipes into the mosque is prohibited, as they produce foul smells and smoke, which are disliked by worshipers.
The common principle of Fiqh is that “whatever is harmful to humans or others should be avoided.” This applies to tobacco as well; although it causes less intoxication, it still has negative effects and harms, and therefore, Islam does not endorse seeking pleasure from it.
Page 3: INTOXICATION AND PROHIBITION OF CERTAIN GOODS
The Holy Quran explicitly addresses intoxicants: “O’ ye who believe! Intoxication and gambling, (dedication of) stones, and (divination by) arrows, are an abomination, of Satan’s handiwork. Eschew such (abomination) that ye may prosper.” (5:90)
This indicates that intoxication is prohibited to the extent that it impairs intelligence and consciousness. Explanation of this verse clarifies that ‘khumur’ refers to drinks that paralyse the mind and awareness.
The Hadith of the Prophet (SAW) also states, “Everything that causes intoxication is (muskur) wine, and every wine is prohibited.” This guidance informs the Ummah that any substance which paralyses the intellect should be considered prohibited in Shariah, including hashish, hemp, opium, or any similar intoxicants—whether in current times or future contexts.
Broad direction according to Shariah: The Holy Quran calls intoxicants “Rijis”, meaning filth and abomination, and traditions have considered these substances prohibited. This is why even modern toxic drugs and medicines that cause intoxication fall under this prohibition.
Consideration of religion and society: Shariah prioritises both individual and societal welfare. The prohibition of intoxicants aims to prevent social discord and the ruin of individuals.
Guidance and precautions: Fuqaha state that “the prohibition of intoxicants, which is worse than the prohibition of wine, falls into the same category.” Therefore, any substance that negatively influences life or religion must be shunned. This approach has saved mankind, fuqara (the poor), and the youth from intoxication.
Summary: The guidelines include both the rules for maintaining the sanctity of the mosque and the prohibition of intoxicants. According to esteemed scholars, maintaining purity and dignity in the mosque is obligatory for every Muslim. The use of tobacco and other intoxicating substances contradicts Islamic teachings. Based on these traditions and Quranic principles, it is clear that protecting the sanctity of prayers in the mosque and keeping society free from harmful habits necessitate these directives.
References:
For the evidence of Fiqh and Shariah, references include verses from the Holy Quran and sayings of the Prophet (SAW). These sources explain the etiquette of the mosque, the principle of “no-harm,” and the prohibition of all intoxicating objects.
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