DON’T MISS

  • Cher who? Publicist has to hold up name board for Cher Lloyd on the red carpet… before Hollywood Rocks performance Not the ’70s legend
  • A tribute to Fast and Furious? Michelle Rodriguez slips into a neon pink bikini to do a headstand next to a Bugatti Cara Delevingne’s lover
  • Of course they’re wearing leopard! Roberto Cavalli, 73, and his much younger girlfriend frolic on the beach in matching exotic print
  • Kate’s all white on the last night Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attend evening reception at the Governor General’s house In Canberra
  • ‘She loves princesses so it’s a dream come true’ Kate delights three year old girl who presents her with flowers as they arrive in Canberra on Royal Tour
  • That’s a big one! Kym Marsh shows off impressive body inking while filming an upcoming episode of Coronation Street Her ‘tramp stamp’
  • ‘David’s too famous for CBB’ Kelly Brook’s man McIntosh whips up a storm as it’s revealed ‘he believes he’s too popular for British reality show’
  • Uma Thurman steps out once again without her engagement ring fuelling rumours her relationship with Arpad Busson is over Had a daughter together
  • Hope she didn’t sweat it! Cameron Diaz twerks on Jimmy Fallon after revealing she hasn’t used deodorant in TWENTY years Prefers natural scent
  • Definitely not her best look Jennifer Aniston continues to cut a dowdy figure as she films scenes for new movie in LA Star of Cake
  • Madonna outrages fans as she uses the term ‘gay’ as an insult… during a word association game to describe a vegetable Doesn’t like kale
  • He’s a happy chap Kym Marsh’s ex Jamie Lomas, 39, looks pleased with himself as he steps out with 23 year old model girlfriend Makes him feel young…
  • Nick Cave, Emeli Sande and Arctic Monkeys go head to head as 2014 Ivor Novello nominees are revealed Who will win this year’s prestigious ceremony?
  • New series but same great style Michelle Dockery looks elegant in matching purple coat and skirt as Lady Mary while filming Downton Abbey season five
  • What a view! Hunger Games star Sam Claflin admires bikini clad wife Laura Haddock on romantic Hawaii getaway Inbetweeners actress
  • ‘It’s time for other people to have their turn’ Fern Britton wades in on the ageism debate in favour of stepping aside for the next generation
  • Nice work if you can get it! Irina Shayk whips off her outfit on Miami beach before slipping on white dress for fashion shoot Ronaldo’s a lucky boy
  • Shouldn’t they be in High School? Zac Efron met by hordes of teenage fans as he arrives at BBC Radio 1 Promoting his film Neighbours
  • Bin that outfit! Kim Kardashian unleashes most unflattering look yet as she pairs bizarre ‘trash bag’ style skirt with plunging sheer blouse
  • Sharon Stone ‘rushed to hospital’ in Brazil earlier this month as local media speculate about a ‘possible stroke’ Was in the country hosting an AIDs benefit
  • Give us a WAVE! Ernest Hemingway’s great granddaughter Dree boasts an enviable figure as she hits the beach in Miami Talented family…
  • Across the Pond Dr Who actress Karen Gillan looks dressed down for shopping trip with a friend in LA Statuesque redhead certainly stood out
  • Generous Justin! Timberlake left waitresses f2,450 after partying until early hours in Cologne club Currently on tour in Germany
  • Read all about it Liz McClarnon attends saucy book launch and looks slim in crisp white shift dress with grey high heels Looking glossy
  • London lands in Shanghai FEMAIL gets ready to join Cara Delevingne and Suki Waterhouse at Burberry’s glittering Chinese launch party
  • She’s no lemon Former TOWIE star Lucy Mecklenburgh looks chic in a stylish pleated dress at Superdrug birthday celebration Covered up for once
  • Olivia Wilde and Jason Sudeikis welcome their baby boy nearly two weeks early… and his name’s got a lot of soul Welcome to the world (and Twitter) little Otis
  • ‘Approachable, modern and not dictated by fashion’ Australian designers give their verdict on Kate’s Royal tour outfits Series of striking outfits
  • Kate and William pause during their Australian visit to express their sadness over the death of Camilla’s brother Mark Shand
  • Pictured hours before his death Camilla’s brother Mark Shand, 62, smiling for cameras with his ‘secret fianc e’, 36, and Princess Eugenie
  • A playboy and gossip but he never let his beloved sister down Richard Kay on the Mark Shand he knew Vehemently defended his sister Camilla
  • John Mayer enjoys the single life with a solo shopping trip in Sydney Katy Perry’s ex boyfriend is currently on tour in Australia
  • No shots were had! George Clooney’s business partner says actor was NOT drunk when he called Steve Wynn an a hole Row rumbles on
  • Yeezus wept! Lauren Goodger gives herself an urban makeover as she wears leather jogging pants to Superdrug’s 50th party Kanye that look is mine
  • Family ties Hollyoaks cousins Jorgie Porter and Gemma Merna show off their toned curves as they strip down to skimpy bikinis for Dubai beach holiday
  • No pregnant pause here! Mila Kunis shows no sign of slowing down as she visits gym in Los Angeles Keeping in shape to prepare for childbirth
  • Keeping baby close to her chest! Hilaria Baldwin carries curious Carmen during around coffee run with Alec Yoga teacher inseperable from his girl
  • Reasons to be cheerful! Pregnant Holly Willoughby is in high spirits as she leaves Celebrity Juice revealing baby bump Blooming with third baby
  • Showing her support for Yeezus… again! Kendall Jenner steps out in her favourite T shirt for shopping trip with a pal Future brother in law
  • Kylie Jenner, 16, is sophisticated in grey skirt and white cropped top as she enjoys some pampering at West Hollywood salon Pretty pricey salon…
  • ‘Khloe is not welcome here’ Neighbours of Kardashian’s new beau French Montana warn her to stay away from their peaceful town Want to keep life quiet
  • What a SUPER hero Robert Downey Jr treats his fans to first picture from the set of The Avengers Age Of Ultron Is the high vis part of his costume?
  • What an engaging sparkler Katherine! Ms. Jenkins debuts stunning diamond ring… one week after announcing plan to wed Andrew Levitas
  • Someone’s dressed to impress! Gwyneth Paltrow wows in two racy outfits in first public appearance since Chris Martin split at event to promote Goop site
  • She’s MADE up Fitness mad Chloe Madeley shows off washboard abs and muscular thighs as she steps out with hunky beau Danny Young for Superdrug Birthday
  • Smiles better TOWIE’s Danielle Armstrong puts her troubles behind her as she enjoys another night out with Casey Batchelor Plenty to smile about
  • Proud Johnny McDaid can’t keep his eyes off rumoured fianc e Courteney Cox as she prepares to screen her directorial debut at the Tribeca Film Festival

  • Just call her J Glow! Jennifer Lopez is a bronzed bombshell in copper top and mauve mini at American Idol taping
    Like a shiny penny
  • Modern Family’s Sofia Vergara makes a real splash as Australian episode airs in the US… but did the dingo joke go too far? Special episode of show
  • Tom Hiddleston looks dapper in yellow waistcoat on set of Crimson Peak as co star Jessica Chastain swaps her flame haired locks for brunette updo
  • So she can do casual Nicole Scherzinger ditches her trademark glamorous look for workout gear as she hits gym This figure hugging…
  • She really did it! Kaley Cuoco cuts SIX INCHES of hair off for sexy new bob after pretending to go short a month ago Big Bang Theory star debuts her new look
  • ‘Gigantic with gorgeous chandeliers’ Nicole Richie and Joel Madden put their Spanish style estate on the market for $1.87 million
  • Still in the honeymoon period! Katie Price kisses toyboy husband Kieran Hayler as they wear matching pink tops on holiday Still raising eyebrows
  • Gwen Stefani displays her slim figure in tight T shirt and jeans… just SEVEN WEEKS after giving birth Singer looks amazing after three children
  • Married! Jodie Foster ties the knot with Ellen DeGeneres’ ex girlfriend Alexandra Hedison in secret ceremony after having dated for less than a year
  • All laced up Jennifer Hudson wears eye popping sheer bondage style dress and leather thigh high boots for fashion bash Not her best look
  • Read my lips! Singer Fergie puts her best foot forward in dominatrix style stilettos but hits a bum note with garish printed wrap dress at shoe event
  • She wears them well! Reality star Lauren Stoner shows off her incredible figure as she frolics on Miami Beach in ANOTHER teeny tiny bikini
  • ‘I like a whip’ Rita Ora reveals kinky bedroom secrets as she steps out in kooky print dress Calvin Harris’ girlfriend Stars in upcoming film Fifty Shades of Grey
  • Marriage is a Bed of Roses! Jon Bon Jovi the doting husband poses with wife ahead of 25 year wedding anniversary Rare lasting marriage
  • Did Tori Spelling fake marriage woes to secure lucrative new reality show? Her marriage to Dean McDermott is said to be on the rocks
  • Leggy Katy Perry rocks knee socks in Manhattan then shares five posters for her Birthday music video Transformed into ‘ worst birthday entertainers’
  • Nile Rodgers, Robin Thicke and Snoop Dogg line up to perform at Ibiza’s newest and biggest luxury hotel this summer Hard Rock Hotel
  • Showing more than her funny side! Jennifer Lawrence reveals midriff as she poses with US comedian Billy Eichner in Instagram shot
  • ‘May get lucky with this one tonight!’ Carmen Electra touches tongues with ex husband Dave Navarro at the Revolver Golden Gods Awards Still friendly 8 years on
  • They know a thing or two about cosmetics! Lauren Pope heads up current female TOWIE stars as they attend Superdrug’s 50th birthday party
  • Basic instinct Jesse Metcalfe’s fiancee Cara Santana heads to lunch wearing ripped jeans with nude leather jacket and matching bag Out in LA
  • How many filters did that picture use? Madonna sings in underwear in washed out Instagram snap Star, 55, also brandished riding crop as she posed
  • She doesn’t just collect famous boyfriends! Taylor Swift enjoys a Broadway play with latest celebrity BFF Sarah Hyland Out in New York together
  • Girls Just Want to Have Fun! Cher and her DTK Tour opener Cyndi Lauper take the stage in Buffalo, New York Diva licious duo wowing fans with retro sound
  • Hola se&ntilde orita! Bronzed Miranda Kerr sizzles on the beach in racy swimwear as she stars on Elle Spain cover Tiny bikini but picture shoot wasn’t on Costas
  • Lord of the japes! Kellan Lutz beats his chest at premiere of Tarzan in Ireland Actor hammed it up for the cameras in Dublin
  • Training for her dance tour! Make up free Julianne Hough leaves the gym ahead of her Move Live gig with brother Derek They’re going on tour
  • On Target! Make up free Amy Adams is anything but glamorous as she goes wild in the aisles in Los Angeles supermarket Grocery run
  • Vanessa Paradis shows off her wild and curly mane as she makes a casual departure from LA Short hair highlights bonny bone structure
  • Sister act! Eddie Murphy’s daughters Bria and Shayne team up for visit to US TV show In pursuit of fame like their funnyman father Eddie
  • BHS v M&S It’s war! The chain the High Street forgot is plotting an unlikely revival and turning guns on Middle England’s favourite shop New clothes AND food
  • Still in shape at 68! Goldie Hawn shows off her fit frame in running gear as she exercises with a friend in LA Run in Brentwood reveals her secret!
  • His and hers Rod Stewart and wife Penny Lancaster both OPT ical for mirrored sunglasses whilst out in LA Still looking cool at 69 years old
  • FAN tastic! Tom Hardy poses for selfies with die hard fans outside his hotel in Manhattan Hollywood’s Mr Nice Guy… despite the bad characters he plays
  • She never stops! Hilary Duff steps out in work out gear once again as she shows off toned legs on her way to the gym She works hard
  • Flashing the flesh again! Rumer Willis wears tiny short shorts after stepping out in revealing mini skirt the night before Legs always on show
  • Do they have the bare necessities? Lupita Nyong’o and Scarlett Johansson set to join Disney remake of The Jungle Book Joining Idris Elba
  • She’s committed! Lena Dunham stays in character as she wears unflattering tiny shorts for second day in a row on set of Girls Not a good look
  • See you on the juice run! Alessandra Ambrosio makes the daily L.A. pilgrimage in thigh skimming shorts and eye catching shirt Needs her nutritional fix
  • The REAL reason you can’t hear anything actors say on TV CHRISTOPHER STEVENS says directors are far more interested in the look than sound quality
  • Let It Go! Demi Lovato ditches her make up in a barefaced selfie… after she admits to sleeping in until 4pm Bit bleary eyed but she’s still a beauty
  • Not so tan tastic! Real Housewife Melissa Gorga overdoes it on the body bronzer as she slips into low cut pale pink dress at Tribeca Film Festival
  • Slender Debra Messing reveals that simply ‘eating clean’ was the key to her dramatic 20lb weight loss She set out to rid her body of ‘crappy foods’
  • Surprise! Lake Bell reveals she is pregnant with first child as she debuts tiny baby bump in slinky red dress at Vanity Fair bash At TriBeCa Film Festival
  • Inside Victoria Beckham’s visit to Africa to meet children with HIV as she lends support to Born Free Foundation Inspiring trip
  • Wolverine’s whiskers! Hugh Jackman sports a bushy grey beard on New York bike ride Clearly reckons best way to get around Manhattan is on two wheels
  • Does she ever have a bad day? Jessica Alba manages to look gorgeous in casual outfit and messy hair as she arrives at JFK Looked fresh faced
  • Every day she’s hustling! Ashlee Simpson access
    orises with leather jacket, cap and designer handbag as fianc picks her up after morning workout
  • ‘We check in on each other all the time!’ Billy Bob Thornton gushes about ex wife Angelina Jolie as he promotes new show Divorced in 2003
  • Give her a big hand! Amy Willerton decides it’s time to ditch the dresses for jeans and a blazer as she attends watch launch Known for her style
  • Not long to go! Pregnant Jacqui Ainsley tenderly holds her burgeoning bump after a drive with fiance Guy Ritchie Third child in 3 years!
  • It’s flexible Fern! Ms Britton raises her slender legs above her head during Loose Women appearance On The Big Allotment Challenge
  • Fashion plate Taylor Swift shows off her remarkable pins in shorts and knee high socks amid rumours of a Girls cameo Attention grabber
  • Her favourite accessory! Paris Hilton takes her pooch Peter Pan for a pampering session at a Beverly Hills beauty salon It’s a dog’s life!
  • ‘Woody Allen said “I wonder if I’d think you were attractive if I didn’t know you”‘ Diane Keaton recalls ‘jerk’ remark about her appearance
  • Great minds! Close friends Nick Grimshaw and Daisy Lowe step out in matching Beyonc sweaters and sunglasses Pals were dog walking
  • Here she comes! Rookie actress Sair Khan is spotted on Coronation Street set as she prepares for debut as member of show’s first Muslim family
  • All for her Bobby! Rose Byrne sizzles in a pair of lacy briefs on the cover of Elle Australia which she dedicates to her Boardwalk Empire star beau Bobby Cannavale

Hookah / sheesha (shisha) smoking: safer than cigarettes? haram or halal?

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As if our youth didn’t have enough distractions and bad habits readily available to pick up, we now have the hookah fad. Step aside cigarette smoking, there’s something cooler in town (for our youth to destroy their bodies with)! Different flavors, different settings, a “Muslim export”&#8230 how cool is that?Actually not cool at all. And what’s worse is that some Muslims are actually promoting this lifestyle.

First the ground rules Most scholars now agree that cigarette smoking is haram, i.e. prohibited for Muslims due to its harmful effects on the human body, which directly go against an injunction in the Qur’an.

And do not kill yourselves. Surely, All h is Most Merciful to you. And whoever commits that through aggression and injustice, We shall cast him into the Fire and that is easy for All h Qur’an 4 29

And do not throw yourselves into destruction. Qur’an 2 195

So, this post is not going to detail issues about cigarette smoking, because not only is cigarette smoking far less socially acceptable, but many Muslims recognize that it is haram (forbidden), even if some are stuck at the makruh (disliked) mistake. Initially, when the harmful effects of smoking were not proven scientifically, scholars hesitated on giving the haram ruling, and instead considered it makruh. However, one would have to be sitting in a cave not to now KNOW and RECOGNIZE the direct link that exists between cigarette smoking and extremely harmful effects to the body, including lung cancer.

Muslim scholars in the past differed in opinion regarding smoking because of lack of evidence relating cigarette smoking to disease. Those who considered Makruh (a hated act) regarded this lack of evidence. But since 30 years ago the evidence clearly demonstrates that smoking is injurious to health. The majority of Ahl Sunnah wal Jama’ah scholars and Jumhur (majority) have clearly stated that smoking is Haram. Afifi

Mu ammad Afifi also provides a collection of statements of scholars from a wide spectrum of methodologies and madahibs. In this online booklet, Mu ammad Al Jibaly describes many of the reasons for its forbidden status.

We all know that Satan is such a wonderful con artist. He loves to deceive people. If he can’t get things one way, he uses another. Since cigarettes were becoming harder to sell, Satan is now selling hookah smoking full force.

Folks, read my words carefully hookah smoking is in fact MORE dangerous and harmful than cigarette smoking, because you inhale more nicotine via this method. Don’t believe me? Then read what this lung specialist from the prestigious Mayo Clinic has to say

There is a myth that hookah smoking is safer than smoking cigarettes because the hookah smoke is filtered through water before it is inhaled. But recent studies have found that hookah smokers actually inhale more nicotine than do cigarette smokers because of the massive volume of smoke they inhale&#8230

According to a recent World Health Organization (WHO) advisory, a typical one hour session of hookah smoking exposes the user to 100 to 200 times the volume of smoke inhaled from a single cigarette. Even after passing through the water, the tobacco smoke produced still contains high levels of toxic compounds, including carbon monoxide, heavy metals and cancer causing chemicals (carcinogens). More info here

Here is more information from American Cancer Society

Hookah is also called narghile (nar guh lee) smoking. It started in Asia and the Middle East and involves burning tobacco that has been mixed with flavors such as honey, molasses, or dried fruit in a water pipe and inhaling the flavored smoke through a long hose. Charcoal is usually used to heat the tobacco mixture, which is known as shisha. Hookah smoking is usually a social event which allows the smokers to spend time together and talk as they pass the pipe around. It has recently become popular among younger people in Western countries.

Hookahs are marketed as being a safe alternative to cigarettes. This claim is false. The water does not filter out many of the toxins. In fact, hookah smoke has been shown to contain concentrations of toxins, such as carbon monoxide, nicotine, “tar,” and heavy metals, that are as high or higher than are seen with cigarette smoke. Several types of cancer, including lung cancer, have been linked to hookah smoking. Hookah is also linked to other unique risks not associated with cigarette smoking. For example, infectious diseases including tuberculosis (which can infect the lungs or other parts of the body), aspergillus (a fungus that can cause serious lung infections), and helicobacter (which can cause stomach ulcers) may be spread by sharing the pipe or through the way the tobacco is prepared.

BOTTOM LINE If smoking cigarettes is harmful and haram, then hookah smoking is only worse.

So, whoever is thinking that they are safe with hookahs as opposed to cigarettes are only fooling themselves. It is especially sad to see this trend catching on fire in the Muslim world. In my trip to Pakistan, I noticed how this has become the “cool” alternative thing to do!

Let’s do whatever it takes to halt this phenomenon, especially in preventing our youth from picking up this harmful/haram habit. Spread the word!

At the request of readers who would like PDF copies for easy distribution, the following file can be downloaded, printed or attached for easy distribution

P.S. Many thanks to Riya for bringing up this subject as a comment on an unrelated post.

See Also

  • Next time a person offers you a hookah pipe or a cigarette be like Chill Yo Islam Yo
  • Last gurgle for the binge shisha smokers
  • Mufti Ibrahim Desai on slow suicidal act by smoking this poison
  • Hookah/Sheesha The Silent but Dangerous New Fad in the Tobacco Industry