['Aalim Network QR] Smoking Imam

[sukaina panju <sukaina.panju@utoronto.ca>]

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|       In the Name of Allah, the Compassionate, the All-Merciful       |\
|  Greeting of Allah be upon Muhammad and the pure members of his House |\
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Salaams,

The following answer was kindly provided by Shaikh Bashir Rahim. Thanks again!

 With salaams and duaas,
 
Zahir Panju
moderator abdg-a

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 mirja'. 

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