Based on the consensus of most Islamic scholars, the answer is yes, vaping is considered haram. This conclusion arises despite some arguments about harm reduction.
Why Vaping is Considered Haram
While organizations like the UK's Office for Health Improvements and Disparities (formerly Public Health England) suggest that vaping is "at least 95% less harmful than smoking," the issue of permissibility within Islam is different. The core reason it's deemed haram is that it's not entirely risk-free.
Here's a breakdown:
- Risk of Harm: Even if less harmful than smoking, vaping still poses health risks, such as:
- Lung irritation
- Addiction to nicotine
- Potential long-term health impacts that are still under research
- Avoiding Harm: Islamic teachings emphasize the principle of avoiding anything that could potentially cause harm to oneself.
- Analogous Reasoning: Many scholars also analogize vaping to smoking, which is generally considered haram due to its well-established health risks and addictiveness.
- Lack of Necessity: Vaping is generally not considered a necessity, therefore, indulging in it is seen as unnecessary exposure to potential harm.
Comparing Vaping to Smoking
| Feature | Vaping | Smoking |
|---|---|---|
| Harm Level | Considered less harmful than smoking, but not harmless. | Widely proven to be highly harmful. |
| Nicotine Presence | Often contains nicotine, which is addictive. | Typically contains nicotine, which is highly addictive. |
| Islamic Ruling | Generally considered haram by most scholars. | Widely considered haram. |
Conclusion
Although vaping might be seen by some as a means to quit smoking, most Islamic scholars agree that it is haram due to the potential risks it carries. The emphasis in Islamic teachings is on avoiding harm, and vaping, not being entirely risk-free, falls under this category.
