Is Hookah Smoking Harmful to the Body?

To address the crucial question of whether hookah smoking is harmful to the body and what its stance is from a Quranic perspective, it is essential to point out that the Holy Quran, due to its comprehensive and eternal message, does not directly mention this specific issue by modern names such as "hookah" or "tobacco." The reason for this is clear: these substances and methods of consumption did not exist or were not widely prevalent in society at the time of the Quran's revelation, so there was no need for direct reference. However, Islamic law (Sharia) and its rulings are founded upon broad and universal principles and rules that can guide us in dealing with new and emerging issues at any time and place. These principles are derived from the verses of the Quran and form the basis of Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh) and the inference of legal rulings. One of the most important and fundamental Quranic principles directly applicable in this context is the principle of "not harming oneself or others." Almighty Allah explicitly commands humanity in the Holy Quran not to cast themselves into destruction. This general principle serves as the foundation for many Islamic rulings aimed at preserving human life and health. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 195, Allah states: "And spend in the way of Allah and do not throw [yourselves] with your [own] hands into destruction. And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good." This verse lays down a general rule that any action leading a person towards physical or spiritual destruction is prohibited. Today, medical science and countless scientific studies worldwide have unequivocally proven that hookah consumption, whether due to the toxic and carcinogenic substances present in its tobacco (even the seemingly 'fruity' and 'aromatic' types), or due to the manner of its use and the inhalation of a large volume of thick smoke, is severely detrimental to the health of the lungs, heart, circulatory system, and other bodily organs. This practice can lead to serious and chronic diseases such as various types of cancer (lung, mouth, esophagus, bladder), cardiovascular diseases (like heart attack and stroke), chronic respiratory illnesses (such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema), and various infections. Moreover, due to the shared use of mouthpieces in many settings, the risk of transmitting infectious diseases also increases significantly. Therefore, relying on this noble verse and the firm consensus of medical professionals, hookah smoking is considered a clear instance of "casting oneself into destruction," which is prohibited in Islam. Another principle highlighted in the Quran, which constitutes an important basis in this discussion, is the concept of "Tayyibat" (good and wholesome things) and "Khabai'th" (impure and harmful things). Allah, in the Quran, consistently instructs people to consume what is lawful and pure (Tayyibat) and to avoid what is impure and harmful (Khabai'th). This principle is emphasized in multiple verses. For instance, in Surah Al-A'raf, verse 157, concerning the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), it states: "...He makes lawful for them the good things and prohibits for them the impure things..." Given modern medical knowledge, which has confirmed the numerous and serious harms of hookah, and considering that hookah offers no legitimate physical or spiritual benefit, it can clearly be categorized under "Khabai'th," meaning impure and harmful things whose consumption is forbidden. The human body is a divine trust (Amanah) that must be cared for properly, and any damage or harm to it must be avoided. Protecting this trust includes abstaining from anything that harms its health and function. Furthermore, the issue of "Israf" (extravagance or waste) and "Tabdhir" (squandering wealth and resources) is strongly condemned in the Holy Quran. Islam always emphasizes moderation and avoiding excess in all matters. In Surah Al-Isra, verse 27, it says: "Indeed, spendthrifts are brothers of devils; and ever has Satan been to his Lord ungrateful." Hookah consumption, in addition to the physical and spiritual harms it inflicts upon individuals and society, often involves significant expenses. From an Islamic legal perspective, if money is spent on something that is harmful and offers no lawful or rational benefit, it is considered a form of extravagance and waste. This money and time spent on hookah could have been used in more beneficial and constructive ways for the individual, family (e.g., providing essential needs, education, or healthcare), or society (such as assisting the needy or productive investments). Therefore, refraining from extravagance in all matters, including wasteful spending on harmful substances, is a vital Quranic and Islamic teaching. In conclusion, although the Holy Quran does not directly mention the word "hookah," by relying on its general and fundamental principles that emphasize the preservation of life, health, purity, and the avoidance of harm and extravagance, it can be definitively concluded that hookah smoking is an act that completely contradicts the spirit and lofty objectives of Islamic law. Contemporary Islamic jurists and scholars, in light of the widespread scientific consensus on the harmfulness of hookah and cigarettes, generally consider it forbidden (haram) or at least severely discouraged (makruh tahrimi, meaning close to forbidden). The ultimate goal of Islam has always been to preserve and enhance the quality of human life in all its dimensions, including physical and mental health, which it considers among the greatest divine blessings. Therefore, anything that harms this health is deemed unacceptable from the perspective of the Quran and the Prophetic tradition, and it is obligatory upon a Muslim to abstain from it. Protecting and safeguarding the blessing of health is considered practical gratitude towards the Creator. Hookah smoking not only endangers health but may also lead to the infringement of individual and social rights and impose heavy medical costs on individuals and society. This, in turn, contradicts Quranic teachings on responsibility and the preservation of public welfare. Therefore, based on the fundamental teachings and general principles of the Holy Quran, hookah smoking is a harmful, impermissible, and undesirable practice, and one should abstain from it to preserve the divine trust of the body and soul in health and well-being.