The Indonesian Majelis Ulama Indonesia has issued a fatwa classifying the use and trade of electronic cigarettes as forbidden, or haram, under Islamic law. Although the religious ruling is not legally binding, it carries significant social and political weight in the country.
The Majelis Ulama Indonesia (MUI), considered Indonesia’s most influential religious body, has issued a religious decree, a fatwa, declaring e-cigarettes forbidden, or haram, according to Islamic law. The decision applies to both nicotine and nicotine-free devices and extends to personal use, sales, and manufacturing.
The body justified the measure citing the health risks associated with the products, nicotine addiction, and the fact that the devices are increasingly being used for the consumption of synthetic drugs, particularly etomidate. Although the fatwa is not legally binding for the country’s approximately 240 million Muslim population, the organization’s positions have historically played a decisive role in shaping consumer habits and legislation.
The religious decision could increase pressure on the government to introduce a nationwide ban, which has been under discussion in Jakarta for months. The hundreds of millions of dollars worth of the Indonesian vape market would be severely affected by an official ban, while experts warn that such a move could also accelerate the growth of an illegal black market.
In brief
- The Majelis Ulama Indonesia (MUI) has classified the use, sale, and manufacture of e-cigarettes as haram.
- The fatwa covers both nicotine-containing and nicotine-free devices.
- The justification includes health risks and drug abuse.
- The religious decree is not legally binding, but it could accelerate a government-planned total ban.
Source: Vapoteurs (vapoteurs.net)
This summary was created by artificial intelligence based on the original article.