liquids for the electronic cigarettes that are nicotine free, Will those be permissible?

Message: Salaams,
I read the article on the electronic cigarettes and it stated that the nicotine is what makes it haraam. However, there are liquids for the electronic cigarettes that are nicotine free. Will those be permissible?

Wa Alaikum Assalaam,

الجواب و بالله التوفيق

Besides the issue of nicotine which is harmful, medical researchers have also stated the e-cigars cause one to develop a bad habit of smoking cigarettes which is condemned by all Scholars. In other words, it is an opening for something which is harmful. Medical experts have stated that ‘one is four times more likely to start smoking normal cigarettes’ (after smoking the e-cigars).

With respect to e-cigars that are nicotine free, these are flavoured e-cigars which come in a variety of flavours. Regarding these flavoured e-cigars, a medical article appeared on MotherJones.com which stated ‘Flavoured E-cigars maybe worse for you than nicotine.’ In a research, it was mentioned that, ‘Researchers tested 51 – e – cig flavourings including ‘cupcake’ and ‘Alien Blood’ and found chemicals linked to lung disease in 47 of them.’

This shows that even without nicotine, the e-cigars are harmful on account of different chemicals used in the flavouring as pointed out by Medical researchers. Besides this, it has been stated by many medical experts and researchers that ‘e-cigars causes one to develop the habit of smoking cigarettes.’ In other words, it leads one to adopt a practice which is condemned in Islam. Hence, it will not be permissible.

And Allah Knows Best.

Mufti Waseem Khan.

25/2/2016.