The permissibility of smoking hookah is debated among Islamic scholars. Factors like health concerns and potential harm should be considered before indulging. Islam emphasizes moderation in everything we do. Engaging in hookah occasionally and responsibly, without causing harm to oneself or others, can align with this principle. However, excessive or addictive behavior contradicts moderation. Intention plays a crucial role in Islamic ethics.
Health Concerns and Prohibition
It has been proven that tobacco is extremely harmful to human health. Hence, hookah is considered prohibited in Islam. Inhaling tobacco exposes one to thousands of deadly toxins that cause cancer, heart disease, etc. Smoking tobacco causes over 5 million deaths annually. There is no way a believer can look at something indifferently once it has been clearly demonstrated to be destructive to one’s health.
Comparison with Cigarette Smoking
The smoke from hookah is not less harmful than cigarette smoke. Water simply cools and moisturizes the smoke, which makes it feel less harsh. There is no difference in the toxicity of tobacco and herbal hookah smoke. Any kind of intoxication is prohibited in Islam. Just because of the slow toxic effects, smoking cigarettes or hookah can be considered “disliked” in Islam, not completely forbidden.
We need to realize that smoking is prohibited, whether it is hookah, cigarettes or anything else. It is not just bad for one’s health, but also for the afterlife. Smoking substances produce cancers, which take away days, weeks and years from our lives which could have been used to worship God and do good.
The question of whether shisha, also known as hookah or water pipe smoking, is considered haram (forbidden) is a topic of significant debate and discussion within the Islamic community. This centuries-old tradition, popular in many parts of the world, involves smoking flavored tobacco through a communal pipe connected to a water vessel. While some argue that shisha smoking is a cultural pastime, others raise concerns about its potential health risks and its adherence to Islamic principles.