SMOKING

Imam of Salaat or Jumaa? Can they be smokers?

Question
Can a smoker lead a Jamat Prayer (Daily prayers or Jumma Prayer) ?

Answer

The question is a valid one.

There does not appear to have been been a total ban on smoking by any of our
recent fuqaha, I am given to understand by some one I respect a great deal
that the late Ayatullah Ruhullah Khumaini had opined that for those already
smoking it was permissible for them to continue to smoke but it was not
permissible for any non-smoker to start smoking. The rationale must have
been founded on the preponderance of evidence linking smoking with cancer
and other chest diseases, at the same time taking into account that for
those already heavily addicted to smoking it may do them more harm than good
be forced to give it up. (Exactly the opinion given to me by my cardiologist
after my last heart attack.)

The late Ayatullah Khui, I believe, did not rule smoking to be haraam.
Incidently, he was himself a chain-smoker.

However, I have not seen either of the above rulings and there is, as far as
my research goes, nothing in the books of Ayatullah Seestani on smoking
although while discussing permissible foods and drinks he does state
categorically that it is not permissible to eat or drink any thing that may
have deleterious effect on health. This would apply, I believe, to a
diabetic taking unwarranted amount of sugar or some one habitually
over-eatingand similar other cases.

I feel that the question of smoking needs to be referred to Ayatullah
Seestani and I shall, >inshallah, endeavour to do so and post any edict issued.

Whatever the ruling, I doubt whether it would effect the adaalah of the Pesh
Imaam. But that aspect could also be referred to the marja'.

With salaams and duaas from an humble servant of Ahlul Bayt and their followers,

Bashir Rahim