Is Ramadan a good time to quit smoking?

Why Ramadan helps

• You already have a long break every day. The fast takes you through the daytime without a cigarette, so you only have to manage the evenings and nights.
• Your routine is new. Suhoor, iftar and taraweeh replace old smoking habits and triggers, such as coffee breaks and after-meal cigarettes.
• Faith gives you a reason. Many people find it easier to change when the goal is pleasing Allah, not just following a doctor's advice.
• Support is around you. Family and friends are also trying to improve themselves this month.

What Islam says about smoking

There is no verse naming tobacco, so scholars have reasoned from principles. Most contemporary scholars say smoking is haram because its harm is now well known, while some consider it strongly disliked. The Quran says:

The Prophet ﷺ also said, "There should be neither harming nor reciprocating harm" (Sunan Ibn Majah 2341). Smoking harms the smoker and the people nearby. For the full discussion, including for new Muslims, see Do I have to quit smoking before I become Muslim?

A simple plan for the month

• Start before Ramadan. Cut down for a week or two, and get rid of lighters and ashtrays.
• Don't "catch up" at night. Smoking all evening to make up for the day keeps the habit alive. Delay your first cigarette after iftar, then delay the next one, until you reach none.
• Replace the habit. Have dates, water, tea or a short walk at the times you would usually smoke.
• Use the prayers. Going to taraweeh or praying at home fills the gaps where cravings come.
• Ask for help. Talk to your doctor or a local stop-smoking service about support.

Be careful with replacement products. Smoking, vaping, nicotine gum, lozenges and inhalers during fasting hours break the fast, as they are taken through the mouth, nose or breath. See Does smoking break the fast? Some contemporary scholars say that a nicotine patch on the skin does not break the fast, but ask a scholar and your doctor about your situation.

If you slip

Don't give up. Cravings usually come in waves and pass. If you smoke after a slip, make tawbah (sincere repentance), drink some water and keep going the next day. Many people need a few attempts. See How do I break bad habits during Ramadan? The goal is not to be perfect, it is to keep moving in the right direction, and to carry on after Eid.