Does smoking flavored hookah with its molasses fall under the category of intoxicants or corruptants? What is the difference between them? Is a corruptant the same as an intoxicating drug? And what is the difference between an intoxicating drug and an intoxicant in terms of Islamic legal ruling?
Smoking is forbidden due to its impurity and harm, regardless of whether it is intoxicating or a narcotic. An intoxicant is defined as anything that impairs the intellect with euphoria and joy, while an impairing substance is anything that impairs the intellect without euphoria, and a narcotic is anything that causes lethargy and numbness in the body. All of these are forbidden because the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, prohibited every intoxicant and every substance that causes languor. The legal difference is that an intoxicant necessitates a prescribed punishment (hadd), while narcotics and impairing substances necessitate a discretionary punishment (ta'zir).
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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