Ruling on boycotting one who smokes tobacco and the like

Question:
Regarding widespread sins, such as smoking tobacco, should people boycott [the sinner] for such a sin?

Answer:
No, there is a doubt (shubhah) in this matter; there is a doubt regarding tobacco, but one should advise [the sinner] in the capacity of giving advice.
As for open sins, such as drinking intoxicants, unlawful sexual intercourse, and sodomy—open matters in which there is no doubt—[the sinner] is to be boycotted. However, if one sees that not boycotting is in the interest of continuing to give advice, there is no harm in that. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) boycotted some people and did not boycott others. If the one in authority, the student of knowledge, or the believer sees that boycotting will increase evil, he does not boycott; he continues to give advice. What the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) did is to be understood in this light: the people he left without boycotting were left because he saw that not boycotting them was closer to good. If boycotting is beneficial, serves as a discipline, and achieves the desired outcome, then [the sinner] is to be boycotted. One must consider public benefit and harm; it is not a matter of personal desire.