Is Vaping Haram in Islam?

It is no surprise that vaping has become a popular alternative to smoking, especially among the youth. Despite its widespread use, many Muslims wonder whether vaping aligns with Islamic principles. In this article, we will discuss why lawful Muslims can not vape and examine some primary evidence that shows vaping is considered haram (forbidden) in Islam. Just as how smoking is viewed as haram, the reasons are rooted in the religion's strong emphasis on preserving health and well-being, avoiding addiction, and steering clear of harmful practices.

Is Smoking of Nicotine Haram?

One of the core principles of Islam is the preservation of health. Vaping often involves inhaling substances like nicotine and THC, which are known to be addicitve substances.

The Quran explicitly advises against self-harm. For instance, Surah Al-Baqarah (2:195) states, "Spend in the cause of Allah and do not let your own hands throw you into destruction ˹by withholding˺. And do good, for Allah certainly loves the good-doers."

This verse underscores the importance of avoiding activities that could lead to self-destruction, such as smoking and vaping.

Nicotine Addiction and Dependency

Another significant concern with vaping is the potential for addiction. Nicotine, found in most vapes, is highly addictive, leading to dependency and further health complications. Islam prohibits practices that lead to addiction and harm.

This is supported by Surah An-Nisa (4:29), which states, "And do not kill yourselves [or one another]. Indeed, Allah is to you ever Merciful."

And Al-Ma’idah (5:90-91) mentioned, “O believers! Intoxicants, gambling, idols, and drawing lots for decisions are all evil of Satan’s handiwork. So shun them so you may be successful. Satan’s plan is to stir up hostility and hatred between you with intoxicants and gambling and to prevent you from remembering Allah and praying. Will you not then abstain?”

These verses further highlight the requirement to avoid actions that can lead to self-harm and addiction.

Imitation of Harmful Practices

Vaping is often viewed as imitating harmful practices prevalent in non-Muslim cultures. Islam encourages Muslims to avoid emulating practices that are sinful or harmful. Vaping, despite being a modern trend, falls into this category. The act of vaping can be seen as adopting a habit that is detrimental to one’s health, which contradicts the Islamic principle of preserving well-being.

In one of the Tafsir of Al-Baqarah 104, Allah forbade the believers from imitating the disbelievers in tongue or deed. Allah said, "O you who believe, do not say, “We have seen and heard,” and for the unbelievers there is a painful punishment."

And Abu Dawud narrated that the Prophet said, "Whoever imitates a people is one of them."

This Hadith, along with its threats and warnings, indicates that we are not allowed to imitate the disbelievers in their statements, deeds, clothes, feasts, acts of worship, etc.; whatever actions of the disbelievers were not legislated for us.

Islamic Rulings on Harmful Practices

The prohibition of vaping in Islam is not a new concept. Historically, Islamic scholars have issued rulings (fatwas - religious opinion) against practices detrimental to health. The earliest fatwa against smoking was issued in Morocco in 1602, soon after tobacco was introduced. These rulings were based on the understanding that anything harmful to the body is forbidden in Islam.

In modern times, this principle has been applied to vaping. The Malaysian National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs declared vaping haram under Islam in 2015 due to its harmful effects. This fatwa aligns with the general Islamic prohibition against self-harm and the consumption of harmful substances derived from Quranic verses and Hadiths.

Quranic Verses Emphasising Health

Several verses in the Quran highlight the importance of maintaining health and well-being, which supports the prohibition of harmful practices like vaping.

For instance, Surah Al-A'raf (7:31) advises, *"O children of Adam, take your adornment at every masjid, and eat and drink, but be not excessive. Indeed, He likes not those who commit excess." *

This verse encourages moderation and cautions against excess, including activities harmful to health, such as vaping.

And in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:168): "O mankind, eat from whatever is on earth [that is] lawful and good and do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy."

Overall, all these verses highlight the importance of consuming lawful and good food, avoiding self-destruction, and recognising the Quran as a source of healing and mercy.

Smoke-Free Alternatives

While vapes are not halal, Islam generally views smoke-free alternatives like nicotine gums, pouches, lozenges, and patches more favourably compared to smoking or vaping. These alternatives are often considered permissible (halal) because they help individuals quit smoking, aligning with the Islamic principle of avoiding harm to one's health.

Harm reduction

As mentioned, smoke-free alternatives are designed to reduce the harm associated with smoking by providing a safer way to manage nicotine addiction. This harm-reduction aligns with the Islamic emphasis on preserving health and well-being.

Benefits

By switching to smoking cessation and alternatives, these products can contribute to lower negative impacts on the body, a significant highlight in Islamic teachings. Helping individuals quit smoking aligns with the Islamic principle of avoiding harmful substances and practices.

To sum up, vaping is considered haram in Islam due to its harmful effects on health, potential for addiction, and association with harmful practices. The prohibition is rooted in the broader Islamic principles emphasising the preservation of health and well-being. By avoiding vaping and opting for smoke-free alternatives, Muslims can adhere to their faith's teachings while taking care of their body.