Smoking is a social poison

13 Aug, 2017 - 00:08 0 Views

The Sunday Mail

Umari Stambuli
Man was instructed by The Almighty not to do or say things that will cause his own destruction.

Allah Almighty declares in the Holy Qur’aan: “…make not your own hands contribute to your destruction…” (2:195); and He also declares: “…nor kill yourselves…” (4:29).

There is no disagreement among physicians that tobacco use may cause diseases that affect the heart and lungs.

Smoking is blamed for some cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema, and cancers (particularly of the lungs, larynx, mouth and pancreas).

There are hundreds of toxic ingredients in a cigarette that get straight into the lungs.

Laying down a principle, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stated that “Your body has a right on you”.

It is with concern to note that the World Health Organisation’s current estimates indicate that tobacco causes nearly six million deaths per year. According to WHO, 100 million people died in the 20th century and the figure is likely to escalate in the 21st century.

Danger to others

Those around a smoker inhale what is known as “second-hand smoke” — the unfiltered, poisonous waste that goes in the air.

There are over 4 000 chemicals in cigarette smoke, over 40 of which are known to cause cancer. Second-hand smoke aggravates asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory problems, especially in children.

This is an injustice against innocent people.

Gradually, a realisation seems to be awakening in human society, the world over, hence the increase in no-smoking areas, etc.

The reek of cigarettes literally permeates everything around the smoker – hair, clothing, furniture, carpets, curtains, home, car, etc.

Some people are offended by the smell of cigarettes and smokers’ breath.

Smokers themselves realise that their breath reeks with the noxious stench; hence many smokers try to hide the smell by using breath mints, chewing gum, perfume, etc.

This does not get rid of the smell, it only masks it. Often the combination of smells is even more nauseating!

Addictive

The addiction to tobacco is a physical response that often interferes with one’s life, social behaviour and worship.

Many addicted smokers spend their days in a cranky mood, and are short-tempered, just wanting to “light up” as often as possible, especially if they are faced with situations of pressure or stress.

Many a times they light up without having taken any food or water and this can have a further devastating effect on their health.

Waste of money

Wealth is to be regarded as a bestowment of The Almighty and He so beautifully guides mankind: “..and spend not wastefully (your wealth) in the manner of a spendthrift. Verily spendthrifts are brothers of the devils…” (17:26-27).

How many cases are heard of, whereby a person spends large amounts, weekly or monthly, on cigarettes whilst the family do not even have enough for basic needs and necessities like food and clothing?

Smokers often spend thousands of dollars a year that literally just go up in smoke. One cannot deny that the money spent on cigarettes is used on buying a harmful thing and is a total waste of resources.

Considering that which has been presented, it can be clearly seen that smoking is an evil among many others. Believers in The Almighty will surely realise that it cannot be permissible to indulge in smoking. It is incumbent upon an addicted person to seek treatment.

Legal complications

In many countries, where smoking was so heavily promoted, countless cases have been raised against tobacco companies by smokers and ex-smokers, for “compensation” for the illnesses and ailments they have suffered and are suffering from as a result of the smoking.

Most countries have since adopted a policy which compels cigarette manufacturers to print health hazard warnings on the cigarette packs.

Some countries are even heavily taxing cigarettes to discourage smoking. The move is also meant to raise funds for health care costs to fight smoking-related diseases.

Despite the concerted efforts to conscientise the masses about the dangers of smoking, millions of people across the world continue harming, even killing themselves and their communities!

 

For further information on Islam or a free copy of the Holy Qur’aan, please contact:

Majlisul Ulama Zimbabwe, Council of Islamic Scholars

Publications Department

PO Box W93, Waterfalls, Harare

Tel: 04-614078/614004, Fax: 04-614003

e-mail: [email protected]

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