Is smoking hookah harmful to the body according to the Quran?

In response to the question of whether smoking hookah is harmful to the body and what its ruling is from the perspective of the Quran, it must be stated that the Holy Quran does not explicitly mention “hookah” or “tobacco products” by name. This is because the consumption of tobacco and hookah is a relatively recent phenomenon in human history and did not exist at the time of the Quran’s revelation. However, the Quran provides very clear and fundamental principles and rules, by relying on which one can deduce the religious and ethical rulings for new issues that emerge over time. These general principles and foundations serve as our guide to understanding Islam's perspective on anything related to human health. One of the most important and fundamental Quranic principles in this regard is found in Surah Al-A'raf, verse 157, which states: “...and makes lawful for them the good things and prohibits for them the evil things...” (وَیُحِلُّ لَهُمُ الطَّیِّبَاتِ وَیُحَرِّمُ عَلَیْهِمُ الْخَبَائِثَ). In this noble verse, Allah Almighty sets forth the general principle of prohibiting “khaba’ith” (evil/impure/harmful things) and permitting “tayyibat” (good/pure/wholesome things). “Tayyibat” refers to anything clean, beneficial, pleasant, and advantageous for the human body and soul, while “khaba’ith” refers to anything unclean, harmful, damaging, and evil. Given the countless scientific studies and global consensus that have unequivocally proven today that hookah smoking is severely detrimental to human health, causing fatal and irreversible diseases such as various types of cancers (lung, mouth, throat), cardiovascular diseases, strokes, chronic respiratory illnesses, and many others, it can be definitively concluded that hookah falls under the category of “khaba’ith.” Anything that jeopardizes human health and leads one towards destruction cannot be considered “tayyib” or pure and wholesome. Another crucial Quranic principle in this context is found in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 195, which states: “...and do not throw [yourselves] with your [own] hands into destruction...” (وَلَا تُلْقُوا بِأَيْدِيكُمْ إِلَى التَّهْلُكَةِ). This verse clearly instructs that a person should not engage in actions that lead to their own destruction or severe harm. The human body is a trust (amanah) from Allah, and protecting it is a religious obligation. A person is responsible for their own health and has no right to endanger or destroy this divine trust through their actions and behaviors. Considering that hookah smoking exposes an individual to serious physical and psychological dangers, gradually leading them towards illness and weakness, it constitutes a clear instance of “throwing oneself into destruction by one's own hands.” This destruction can be gradual and long-term, but it ultimately leads to the weakening of the body, a decrease in life quality, and even premature death. Moreover, hookah smoke is not only harmful to the user but also to those around them who are exposed to secondhand smoke, which also contradicts the general spirit of Islam that emphasizes not harming others. Furthermore, the issue of “tabdhir” or extravagance and wastefulness is condemned in the Holy Quran. In verses 26 and 27 of Surah Al-Isra, we read: “And give the relative his due, and the needy and the wayfarer. And do not spend wastefully. Indeed, the wasteful are brothers of the devils, and ever has Satan been to his Lord ungrateful.” (وَآتِ ذَا الْقُرْبَىٰ حَقَّهُ وَالْمِسْكِينَ وَابْنَ السَّبِيلِ وَلَا تُبَذِّرْ تَبْذِيرًا * إِنَّ الْمُبَذِّرِينَ كَانُوا إِخْوَانَ الشَّيَاطِينِ ۖ وَكَانَ الشَّيْطَانُ لِرَبِّهِ كَفُورًا). The consumption of hookah, in addition to its physical and spiritual harms, also involves financial expenditure. Spending money on something that not only provides no benefit but also brings serious harm and destroys a divine trust (the body) is a clear example of extravagance and wastefulness. Wealth and possessions are also trusts from Allah that should be spent in ways that please Allah and are beneficial for humans. Spending it on hookah, which is a source of harm and disease, is a form of ingratitude for Allah's blessings and a companionship with Satan in extravagance. In light of these general Quranic principles and undeniable scientific evidence, the vast majority of contemporary Islamic jurists (fuqaha) and scholars have deemed the consumption of hookah and tobacco products as either forbidden (haram) or at least strongly discouraged (makrooh tahrimi – close to haram). They believe that anything that definitively and certainly causes harm to the body is not permissible within the framework of Islamic teachings and based on the verses mentioned. Islam has always placed great emphasis on preserving life, intellect, religion, progeny, and wealth. Any action that harms these five essential pillars is considered rejected and disliked. Physical health is the foundation of a person's ability to fulfill religious and worldly duties, serve family and society, and achieve spiritual perfection. Therefore, relying on the deeply rooted teachings of the Quran, it can be concluded that hookah smoking, given its definitive and proven harms, is an undesirable act contrary to the health-oriented teachings of Islam, and it is strongly recommended to avoid it so that one can lead a healthier and more productive life and safeguard the divine trust of one's being.