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Stop smoking for Ramadan, stop smoking for life
Indonesia is one of the few countries that still allows cigarette advertisements on television, and its cigarette tax is among the lowest in the world.
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Smokescreen: A volunteer talks to a minimarket cashier about the dangers of cigarettes during a campaign against child smokers in Cengkareng, West Jakarta, on March 7, 2021. (Antara/Muhammad Iqbal)
M
uslims worldwide have embarked on the annual spiritual journey of fasting during Ramadan, which began Thursday, according to the government. During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from drinking or eating anything from dawn to sunset.
For Muslim smokers, the challenge is even greater as they must refrain also from smoking during daylight hours. The obligation to fast during Ramadan is already a test of self-discipline and endurance, but when coupled with the struggle of nicotine withdrawal, it becomes an even more daunting task.
Indonesia has the largest Muslim population in the world, estimated at 231 million, accounting for 86.7 percent of the nation's population and 13 percent of the global Muslim population. Despite being home to the largest Muslim population, it is quite ironic that Indonesia ranks third globally in terms of the number of smokers, with an estimated 81.35 million smokers.
Several facts can explain why Indonesia, as a Muslim-majority country, still has one of the highest numbers of smokers in the world. First, Muslim smokers may not be aware of the Islamic teachings on smoking. Second, unlike alcohol, which is explicitly prohibited in Islam, smoking is not specifically banned because there is no text in the Quran or sunna (traditional portion of Islamic law) that addresses the issue of smoking.
Tobacco smoking did not exist during the time of the Prophet Muhammad in the 7th century and was unknown to Muslims until the 11th century of hijra. Some Muslims believe that smoking is the only acceptable indulgence and may resist any new rules prohibiting smoking.
Third, Muslims may smoke to cope with the heavy burdens of life and try to relieve stress by smoking. Fourth, Muslim youngsters may start smoking to demonstrate that they have grown up. Most smokers in Indonesia start smoking between the ages of 16 and 18 years.
So, what are the historical rules governing smoking in Islam? Why, to date, has smoking not yet been universally declared haram?
