NU: Smoking is objectionable (makruh)

Jakarta, NU Online
General chairman of the Central Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) KH Hasyim Muzadi said that Nahdlatul Ulama considered smoking for Muslims as objectionable (makruh).

Hasyim made the remarks following the edict issued recently  by the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) which states that smoking is forbidden (haram) for children, pregnant women, MUI members and for those in public places.<>

" In NU, it has since a long time been objectionable rather than forbidden because its level of risk is relative," said Hasyim on the sidelines of an annual meeting of the NU's Pagar Nusa Martial Arts at Padepokan Pencak Silat, Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, Jakarta on Monday (25/1)

In the meantime Hasyim stressed that what must be taken into account were elements whose really significant risks like alcoholic drink.

Hasyim also said when the MUI held a meeting in dealing with smoking he could not come, adding that he already read the MUI decision in mass media.

While chairman of the Edict Commission of the MUI said here on Sunday that MUI would formulate later the form of sanctions against MUI members who smoke.

He said that the MUI meeting agreed to two rulings, namely one that bans smoking for children, pregnant women, those in public places and MUI members and the other one that states that smoking was between haram and makruh.

Suma was of view the adoption of the edict was based on the emergence of differences of opinions on whether smoking for Muslims was allowed or forbidden. (min)