Islamic fatwa declared on e-cigs

A fatwa has been issued after a special meeting of Malaysia's National Fatwa Council, stating vaping is equal to drinking poison. 

Electronic cigarettes are already banned for Muslims in four Malaysian states, as well as several other Muslim countries, including Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates. 

The council finds that the consumption of something that is harmful, whether direct or indirectly, purposely or not, could lead to harm or death; so this will not be allowed,' Dr Abdul Shukor Husin, chair of the council said at a press conference. 

'E-cigarettes and vapes are categorised as repulsive due to its harming effects and bad smell,' Dr Shukor Husin added according to the IBTimes.

They also have an element of wastage, which is by spending money on things that are harmful and non-beneficial.' 

'We are seeing women and school children showing interest in vape. The decision is made to prevent an unhealthy culture from spreading to future generations.' 

An estimated 2.6million people in the UK use e-cigarettes, which provide a nicotine hit without the cancer-causing chemicals found in tobacco. 

Research published earlier this year found that teenagers who use e-cigarettes are four times more likely to end up smoking 'real' cigarettes.

American researchers said unregulated electronic cigarettes which are advertised on TV and in magazines serve as a gateway to smoking for teens and young adults.

Results showed 38 per cent of e-cigarette users had started smoking traditional cigarettes within a year compared to just ten per cent who had not used an e-cig.

Earlier this month, it emerged that a type of e-cigs will soon be available on the NHS for smokers trying to quit alongside patches and gums. A review recently declared them 95 per cent safer than the real thing. 

(dailymail.co.uk)