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Last Update: 04:16 GMT, Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2009

Living Shari`ah > Fatwa Bank

 

Question and Answer Details

Name of Questioner

Fawzan   - United States

Title

Can I Fast While Applying a Nicotine Patch?

Question

I am a smoker in the process of trying to quit smoking, and I am using the nicotine patch. I would like to know if it is OK to wear the nicotine patch during Ramadan.

Date

03/Nov/2004

Name of Counsellor

Muhammad Muhammad Abu Laylah

Topic

Fasting: Rulings & Regulations, What Breaks the Fast

Answer

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.


We implore Allah to grant all Muslim men and women patience and perseverance to fast the blessed month of Ramadan and to give them might and strength to strive hard to do many acts of worship.

Before answering your question, we would like to explain that nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) such as the patch or gum help relieve withdrawal symptoms and cigarette cravings that may be experienced when trying to quit smoking.

When a person stops smoking, the nicotine levels in the body drop suddenly. This can cause withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, headache, disturbed sleep, anger, and cigarette cravings. In just a few weeks, the body will clear itself of nicotine and these symptoms go away.

The patch provides a steady, controlled release of nicotine absorbed through the skin throughout the day to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings associated with quitting smoking. Less nicotine is obtained from the patch than in cigarettes. It also does not contain the tars and poisonous gases found in cigarettes.

Responding to the question, Dr. Muhammad M. Abu Laylah , Professor of Islamic Studies and Comparative Religions at Al-Azhar University, states the following:

It is clear that the nicotine patch is used to help you to stop smoking. That is why we see no reason from the Shari`ah point of view to stop it during Ramadan since nothing goes to the stomach through the mouth or through any other opening in the body, as the jurists agreed.

This goes to the body through the cells and it is considered, by and large, no more than a treatment, not a diet or drink.

We implore Allah to help you stop smoking and to get rid of this bad and damaging habit.

In Ramadan as in other months, we should keep our mouth clean for worship and devotion and the recitation of the Qur'an.

You can also read:

Fasting & Quitting Smoking

If Smoking Is Forbidden, Why Do Many Muslims Smoke?

Is the Ruling on Smoking Still Controversial?

What Does Islam Say About Smoking?

If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to write back!

May Allah guide you to the straight path, and guide you to that which pleases Him, Amen.

Allah Almighty knows best.

 

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