What is your opinion of a man who smokes while performing all the obligatory duties?
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The questioner : There is a man who smokes, but he performs all the obligatory acts, such as prayer, fasting, and the Fajr prayer, and he fulfills all the duties that Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He) has made obligatory.
The Shaykh : Praise be to Allah.
The questioner : So what do you see in that?
The Shaykh : So what?
The questioner : So what is your opinion of this?
The Shaykh : I see that he is persisting in disobedience, and Allah (Mighty and Majestic) says:[Ali 'Imran 3:135] So he must strengthen himself and be courageous in leaving this smoking. If it is possible for him to quit it all at once, that is a reality and it has happened, and many people have done this. If he cannot do so, then he should do it gradually. And if Allah knows from his intention that he is sincere and determined, Allah (Mighty and Majestic) will help him. As for his other righteous deeds, there is no doubt that he will attain ranks through them and good is hoped for him, if Allah wills.
The questioner : May Allah reward you with good, O Shaykh.
The Shaykh : Yes, we have finished. Glory be to you, our Lord, and praise be to You. I testify that there is no god but You. I seek Your forgiveness and I repent to You.
The Shaykh : Praise be to Allah.
The questioner : So what do you see in that?
The Shaykh : So what?
The questioner : So what is your opinion of this?
The Shaykh : I see that he is persisting in disobedience, and Allah (Mighty and Majestic) says:
and [who] do not persist in what they have done while they know.
ولم يصرّوا على ما فعلوا وهم يعلمونThe questioner : May Allah reward you with good, O Shaykh.
The Shaykh : Yes, we have finished. Glory be to you, our Lord, and praise be to You. I testify that there is no god but You. I seek Your forgiveness and I repent to You.