Smoking during I’tikaf is not considered permissible inside a mosque because it produces a strong and unpleasant odor, which contradicts the respect and cleanliness required in places of worship.
During the last ten days of Ramadan, many Muslims observe I’tikaf, a spiritual retreat in which a person stays in the mosque for continuous worship, prayer, and reflection. While observing I’tikaf, a person is expected to maintain a high level of discipline, cleanliness, and respect for the sanctity of the mosque. Because of these expectations, activities that disturb others or cause discomfort are discouraged or prohibited.
According to Islamic scholars, smoking cigarettes, bidis, or using a hookah inside a mosque is not allowed. The primary reason is the unpleasant smell produced by tobacco smoke, which can disturb other worshippers and compromise the peaceful environment of the mosque. In addition, smoke itself spreads in the air and affects those around the smoker, making it even more inappropriate in a shared space dedicated to prayer and remembrance of Allah.
Scholars often refer to a well-known saying of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to explain this ruling. In a narration reported by the companion Abdullah ibn Umar, the Prophet ﷺ instructed that anyone who has eaten raw garlic or onions should avoid coming near the mosque until the odor has disappeared. The narration is recorded in Sahih Muslim.
The hadith states in meaning: a person who eats garlic should not come close to the mosque until the smell has gone away. Islamic scholars explain that this instruction highlights the importance of maintaining a clean and pleasant environment within mosques so that worshippers are not disturbed during prayers and other acts of worship.
Based on this guidance, scholars conclude that if foods with a strong smell can prevent a person from attending the mosque temporarily, then smoking—which produces an even stronger and more persistent odor—should certainly not be done inside the mosque. The smoke can linger in the air, affect other people’s breathing, and leave an unpleasant smell in the prayer area, clothing, and carpets.
For a person observing I’tikaf, leaving the mosque without a valid reason is generally discouraged and can invalidate the I’tikaf depending on the circumstances. However, many scholars also emphasize that a person who smokes should make sincere efforts to avoid smoking during I’tikaf altogether, since the entire purpose of the retreat is spiritual purification and self-discipline.
Ramadan is widely regarded as an opportunity for Muslims to strengthen their faith, abandon harmful habits, and focus on worship. Therefore, scholars often advise smokers to take advantage of the spiritual atmosphere of Ramadan and the commitment of I’tikaf to reduce or completely give up smoking.
Health experts also warn that smoking is harmful to both the smoker and people nearby. The smoke contains chemicals that can damage the lungs, heart, and other organs. Because Islam encourages the protection of health and the avoidance of harm to oneself and others, many scholars consider smoking at least strongly discouraged, while some classify it as prohibited.
In the context of a mosque, the concern is even greater. A mosque is a shared sacred space used by people of all ages, including children, elderly individuals, and those with respiratory issues. Exposure to cigarette smoke can cause discomfort and health problems for them, making it inappropriate in such an environment.
Therefore, scholars advise that a person observing I’tikaf should avoid smoking entirely within the mosque. Maintaining cleanliness, good manners, and consideration for fellow worshippers is part of the etiquette of worship and an important aspect of spiritual devotion.
In summary, smoking cigarettes, bidis, or hookah during I’tikaf inside a mosque is not permissible due to the smell and disturbance it causes. The guidance of the Prophet ﷺ regarding avoiding the mosque after eating strong-smelling foods serves as a clear reminder that places of worship should remain clean, comfortable, and respectful for everyone engaged in prayer and remembrance of Allah.
