Vaping in Iḥrām
Question
Is it permissible to use a vape (e-cigarette) in the state of Iḥrām?
بسم الله الرحمن الرحیم
Answer
If the vape emits a sweet smell or fragrance, it is not permissible to use it in the state of Iḥrām and if one does so, it will necessitate a penalty. Otherwise, it is prohibitively disliked (Makrūh Taḥrīmī), however, no penalty will be necessary.
Vaping and e-cigarettes should be avoided all the time. It is a dangerous addiction and a harmful fashion which is engulfing a large part of the Muslim community including females who would otherwise not have smoked cigarettes. Millions of pounds are being wasted on this and they contain many harms, especially for those who did not have a habit of smoking cigarettes. They may not contain tobacco, but they contain nicotine and other substances whose long-term effects are not yet known. They should therefore be avoided altogether especially by those who are not using it as a means to quit smoking.
“Vaping is much less harmful than smoking. However, although we don’t yet fully understand the long-term effects vaping has on our health, evidence shows that e-cigarettes or vapes are not harm-free. Vapes contain nicotine, and may quickly become harmfully addictive for young people. Young people can quickly become addicted to nicotine, and this can affect their concentration and impact their ability to learn and study. Nicotine withdrawal can also disrupt sleep and may cause headaches. It can also affect their mental health and mood. While the long-term effects of vaping are still being researched, it’s thought they can have a negative impact on the health of the heart and lungs. Cancer Research UK, the British Heart Foundation, the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health and the Royal College of Physicians all state that vapes should only be used by adults who smoke as an aid to giving up smoking.” (Source: NHS Fife)
Allah knows best
Yusuf Shabbir
25 Jumādā al-Thāniyah 1445 / 8 January 2024
Approved by: Mufti Shabbir Ahmed and Mufti Muhammad Tahir
