fatwa: Second Hand Smoke and Fasting ( Ramadan)

 

Second Hand Smoke and Fasting

Question:

We know that smoking is prohibited, however what is the evidence that it breaks your fast? What about second hand smoke, does it break ones fast?

Response:

Whatever enters your throat may Allaah bless you; is either in the form of food, drink or whatever takes their ruling. Smoke is in reality, something that was previously solid that turned into smoke [by burning in this case]. So if a person breathes in this smoke, [some of it] turns back into a liquid form, and any liquid that enters a person's throat invalidates his fast.

Smoking is prohibited to begin with, because it is harmful. The scholars state that this smoke turns into a liquid after it is breathed in, and it is this liquid that brakes your fast. Likewise even Bakhoor (incense), which is a fragrance in the form of smoke, the scholars say that it is not permissible for a fasting person to breathe it in because it turns into a liquid.

As far as second hand smoke, if a smoker is next to you, you must take the necessary precautions by closing your mouth and nostrils, or ask him/her to stop smoking, just as you would do if you came across a small sand storm [i.e you would cover your mouth and nostrils].

Shaykh Muhammad ibn 'Abdil Wahhaab al 'Aqeel
Reference: Audio Tape: Taking Advantage of the Last Ten Days of Ramadaan

more about reference http://www.subulassalaam.com/references/reference.cfm?ref_id=1 

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Punishment for breaking the fast early

It is narrated that Abu Umaamah al-Baahili said:

I heard the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) say:

"Whilst I was sleeping, two men came to me and took hold of my upper arm, and brought me to a rugged mountain. They said: 'Climb up.' I said: 'I cannot do it.' They said: 'We will make it easy for you.' So I climbed up until I was at the top of the mountain. There I heard loud voices. I said: 'What are these voices?' They said: 'This is the screaming of the people of Hell.' Then I was taken and I saw people suspended by their ankles, with the corners of their mouths torn and pouring with blood. I said: 'Who are these?' They said: 'These are the people who broke their fast before it was time to do so.'" 

Narrated by al-Bayhaqi, no. 7796; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani

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