Malaysia's fatwa council declares vape and e-cigarettes 'haram'
The assault on electronic cigarettes continues.
Malaysia's National Fatwa Council has declared that the use of electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes "haram" or forbidden for Muslims.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday (Dec 21), the council's chairman, Tan Sri Dr Abdul Shukor Husin said that, based on scientific studies and findings, they found that the use of e-cigarettes or vaping, does not bring any benefit to the users.
Dr Abdul Shukor added that because using something that is harmful could, directly or indirectly, lead to harm or death, the council has decided to declare electronic cigarettes and vaping haram.
“From the syariah perspective, Muslims cannot consume something that is harmful to their health or indulge in things that are wasteful,” – Tan Sri Dr Abdul Shukor Husin
Abdul Shukor noted that electronic cigarettes have already been banned in several other Muslim and non-Muslim countries.
This includes Kuwait, Brunei, United Arab Emirates, Brazil, Uruguay and Singapore.
Religious bodies in the Malaysian states of Pahang, Johor and Federal Territories have declared e-cigarettes haram as well.
“We hope other states will follow suit soon,” said Dr. Abdul Shukor.
In November, the Sultan of Johor announced a ban on sales of e-cigarettes in the state, to start by Jan 1, 2016.
"If we allow this to continue, we will be seeing a whole new form of addiction among our youth,” said the Sultan in interview then.
Source: The Star Online.
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