I don’t have the willpower to give up smoking

Reference: I’laam al-Mu’aasireen bi-Fataawa Ibn ‘Uthaymeen – Page 440

Question: Eminent Shaykh, I don’t have the willpower to give up smoking, [so] what is your advice?

Response: I say, strive to be strong in willpower; [You can start off by] keeping away from those who smoke, because keeping their company leads to the desire to smoke, so keep away from them and burn whatever cigarettes [cigars and tobacco] you have. And ask Allaah Ta’aala for firmness [and resilience] in safeguarding yourself from smoking; So every time you feel the desire to smoke, [why not] drink some juice instead so as to [take your mind off it and thereby] reduce the desire.

Alternatively, if you fear you may be overcome by the desire [to smoke], then get out and go visit a pious brother; Sit in his company and benefit from [what he has to share with you in terms of knowledge]. [Indeed], sitting with the pious is similar to the [example of the] perfume trader, who either sells [perfume] to you, or he freely gifts it to you, or [at the very least] you benefit from the pleasant smell [around him].

He is a graduate of the Islaamic University of Madeenah, having graduated from the Institute of Arabic Language, and later the Faculty of Sharee'ah in 2004. He currently resides in Birmingham, UK.

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