There are people who say that smoking does not break the fast, and their argument is that it does not enter the stomach but rather enters the lungs. What is your opinion of this claim?

The questioner : We have also heard from people who say that smoking does not break the fast, and their argument is that they say it does not enter the stomach.

The Shaykh : What Allah willed.

The questioner : So they mean it goes to the lungs. We do not know. What is your opinion, O Shaykh?

The Shaykh : My opinion is that I am surprised at you with these questions, these "khunfushariyyah" as they say in Syria. From these people who say that smoking does not break the fast?

The questioner : We heard from some people, I mean.

The Shaykh : May Allah guide you. Are they scholars? You will say no.

The questioner : No, they mentioned that the issue is in *al-Muhalla*. They mentioned it.

The Shaykh : Answer. May Allah guide you. Answer the question.

The questioner: Yes.

The Shaykh : Are they scholars?

The questioner : No, they are not scholars.

The Shaykh : So every time one person shaves, you come and say there are people who say such and such.

The questioner : They mentioned it. They said the issue is in *al-Muhalla*.

The Shaykh : What *al-Muhalla*? May Allah guide you. Was there smoking in the time of the author of *al-Muhalla*?

The questioner : They say yes. They say so. I do not know.

The Shaykh : ... .