Working in a Company that Manufactures Cigarettes.

By Mufti Ebrahim Desai
Posted: 6 Sha'ban 1423, 13 October 2002


Q.) Please inform me about the status of smoking according to Shariah, and the status of job in a company that manufactures and sells cigarettes of tobacco.

A.) There are differences of opinions among the contemporary Ulama regarding smoking. According to some Ulama, smoking is haram (strictly prohibited). This ruling is generally based on the recent discovery regarding the harms of smoking.

According to other Ulama, smoking is Makrooh (reprehensible).

It is, thus, advisable not to work for a company that manufactures cigarettes. If one is unemployed and has no alternative employment, he may work at such a factory until he finds a suitable employment. And Allah Ta'ala Knows Best