Tobacco

Writings

• Tablet of Purity, in Selections from the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Bahá, sec. 129 (earlier translation in Tablets of 'Abdu'l-Bahá, pp. 581-585)
• Smoking and Firmness in the Covenant

Smoking though allowed is discouraged

Concerning the use of alcoholic drinks and drugs the Guardian wishes you to know that they have been explicitly forbidden in the "Kitab-i-Aqdas". Opium is, undoubtedly, prohibited. But smoking, though allowed, is discouraged. Various other points which may be raised in this connection and which have not been explained in the Holy Writings have to be carefully considered and acted upon by the future International House of Justice which is the body empowered by Baha'u'llah to legislate in all matters which have not been explicitly revealed in the Sacred Writings of the Faith.

(On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, Dawn of a New Day, December 27, 1933)

Avoid atmosphere with much smoking

• See Cultural-Entertainment Centers/Halls.

From Lights of Guidance (to categorize)

The Renouncing of Tobacco, Alcohol and Opium--Purity and Sanctity Should Distinguish the People of Bahá

"O ye, God's loved ones! Experience hath shown how greatly the renouncing of smoking, of intoxicating drink, and of opium, conduceth to health and vigour, to the expansion and keenness of the mind and to bodily strength. There is today a people[+F1 (Possibly Abdu'l-Bahá was referring to the Sikhs)] who strictly avoid tobacco, intoxicating liquor and opium. This people is far and away superior to the others, for strength and physical courage, for health, beauty and comeliness. A single one of their men can stand up to ten men of another tribe. This hath proved true of the entire people: that is, member for member, each individual of this community is in every respect superior to the individuals of other communities.

"Make ye then a mighty effort, that the purity and sanctity which, above all else, are cherished by Abdu'l-Bahá, shall distinguish the people of Bahá; that in every kind of excellence the people of God shall surpass all other human beings; that both outwardly and inwardly they shall prove superior to the rest; that for purity, immaculacy, refinement, and the preservation of health, they shall be leaders in the vanguard of those who know. And that by their freedom from enslavement, their knowledge, their self-control, they shall be first among the pure, the free and the wise."

('Abdu'l-Bahá, Selections from the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Bahá, p. 150, in Lights of Guidance, no. 1188)

Smoking is Discouraged, But Not Forbidden

"Regarding your questions: Concerning smoking: It is not forbidden in the Bahá'í teachings and no one can enforce its prohibition. It is strongly discouraged as a habit which is not very clean or very healthy. But it is a matter left entirely to the conscience of the individual and not of major importance, whereas the use of alcohol is definitely forbidden and thus not left optional to the conscience of the believer."

(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, April 19, 1941, in Lights of Guidance, no. 1189)

Smoking Has Nothing to Do with Firmness in the Covenant

"Smoking has nothing to do with firmness in the Covenant. Bahá'ís are advised not to smoke for reasons of health and hygiene, not because of any spiritual reasons. We naturally cherish every hint and advice from Abdu'l-Bahá regarding our conduct, but as He has not forbidden this, we must leave each person free to decide for himself."

(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, August 9, 1944, in Lights of Guidance, no. 1190)

To New Bahá'ís, We Should Not Stress Giving Up Smoking

"He feels that we should not lay stress to new Bahá'ís on the necessity of giving up smoking, especially as this is purely optional, and many of the Bahá'ís still do smoke. There are many things in the Teachings that require a stiff effort on the part of a new believer, and we should not add to the hurdles at the very beginning, so to speak."

(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, December 4, 1954, in Lights of Guidance, no. 1191)

Smoking by Degrees Injurious

"My meaning is that in the sight of God, smoking tobacco is deprecated, abhorrent, filthy in the extreme; and, albeit by degrees, highly injurious to health. It is also a waste of money and time, and maketh the user a prey to a noxious addiction."

('Abdu'l-Bahá, Selections from the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Bahá, sec. 129, p. 148; older translation in Bahá'í World Faith, p. 335, in Lights of Guidance, no. 1192)

Guidelines for Individuals and Assemblies About Tobacco Smoking

"Many believers feeling the same concern expressed by Dr. ... wrote to the beloved Guardian about it. In answer to such letters the Guardian's secretary replied on his behalf that Bahá'ís had no right to prevent anyone from smoking; that Bahá'ís were free to smoke but it was preferable for them not to do so; and that an issue should not be made of this matter. The use of tobacco, in common with other personal practices, should be subject to considerations of courtesy. The Bahá'í in his daily life, whether smoker or non-smoker, should always be conscious of the rights of those about him and avoid doing anything which would give offense.

"Believers have also raised the question about smoking during Bahá'í meetings. It is entirely within the authority of Local and National Spiritual Assemblies to prohibit smoking in meetings held under their auspices. An Assembly may well feel that it does not wish to raise an additional barrier to seekers by prohibiting smoking at public meetings in a society where it is the accepted practice to smoke. On the other hand, it might be wise for the Assembly to caution the Bahá'ís to restrain their smoking at teaching meetings and firesides in case it is offensive to some seekers. In the case of Nineteen Day Feasts or meetings of Assemblies or committees, it is not right that friends who find smoking offensive should be made to endure it in Bahá'í meetings which they are required or expected to attend. If certain individuals feel that they must smoke, then arrangements, such as a break in the meeting, could be made for their convenience. It would, of course, be entirely inappropriate to smoke during the devotional part of a Feast, or at any other devotional gathering.

"It is to be hoped that the widespread publicity being given to the evil effects of smoking, both on smokers and on those who have to breathe smoke-laden air, will help to convince everyone of the wisdom of Abdu'l-Bahá in strongly discouraging Bahá'ís from smoking. However, Bahá'ís must be careful not to go beyond the Teachings in this matter and try to enforce as a law a matter in which Bahá'u'lláh has deemed it wise to allow freedom of decision."

(From a letter of the Universal House of Justice to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States, March 4, 1974, in Lights of Guidance, no. 1193)

See also

• Intoxicating substances