Q: I am a well-known wholesaler and I have been working for twenty years now. I sell foodstuffs, different types of tobacco, and other merchandise. I sell around 25 different brands of
tobacco,
which I import from foreign producers outside the Kingdom with the aid of general agents in the Kingdom in (Part No. 13; Page No. 60)
Riyadh,
Jeddah,
or
Dammam.
After the shipments arrive, I distribute them among small shops and retail stores and markets. I would like to add that I pay huge amounts of money to import the tobacco that may reach 50 million riyals monthly and more than 650 million riyals yearly. My question is:Is tobacco Haram (prohibited) or not?If it is Haram, is it permissible for me to sell it at the same establishments along with other merchandise such as foodstuffs?Also, is it permissible to separate between the two, selling foodstuffs in other stores?Can I put its profits into charitable projects?It is worth mentioning that I tried to stop dealing in it before, but the losses reached 50% in some stores and 100% in others.I ask Allah and hope you will give me a clear, correct, and convincing answer supported by evidence from the Qur'an and Sunnah (whatever is reported from the Prophet). A written answer would be better to resist the insinuations of Satan, free myself from any blame, and be sure of the ruling on my business on the Day of Resurrection when I will meet Allah. Moreover, I heard Shaykh Al-Tantawy say in an interview that tobacco was not Haram, but merely Makruh (disliked). That is what kept me selling it. I hope the written answer includes the names, signatures, and titles of those who issue it (Part No. 13; Page No. 61) to be able to take the right decision. Allah willing, it will be the final decision without any hesitation. I give my word on that, and Allah is my Witness.
A:
All types of tobacco are Haram so is trading in it, as it leads to evil and brings many harms to one's faith, health, and money. You must repent to Allah from what you have done in the past and have the sincere resolution not to trade in it again. Be sure that Allah will reward you well and will compensate you.As for that past period, we ask Allah to forgive you, as you were not sure of the prohibition. Allah states,
...whereas Allâh has permitted trading and forbidden Ribâ (usury). So whosoever receives an admonition from his Lord and stops eating Ribâ (usury) shall not be punished for the past; his case is for Allâh (to judge); but whoever returns [to Ribâ (usury)], such are the dwellers of the Fire - they will abide therein.
Consequently, the tobacco you presently own should be destroyed and not sold or given to any one. Enclosed are three related papers; the first is by Shaykh
Muhammad ibn Ibrahim Al Al-Shaykh
(may Allah be merciful to him), the second by Shaykh
`Abdul-Rahman ibn Sa`dy
(may Allah be merciful to him) and the third by Shaykh
`Abdul-`Aziz ibn `Abdullah ibn Baz. (Part No. 13; Page No. 62) I ask Allah that you benefit from them and may He guide us all to what pleases Him. May Allah make it easy for everyone to understand this faith and adhere to it. May Muslims prefer Allah's Pleasure over everything else, for He is Most-Generous and All-Bountiful.
May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.
Tobacco
