Is it necessary to stay away from smokers on the grounds that they are committing something unlawful?

Smoking is a bad and forbidden habit that harms the smoker and those around him. Associate only with a believer; for a bad companion is like the blower of a bellows, he harms you. If you can avoid their harm and going along with them in evil, then mix with them to influence them and call them to goodness. The Muslim who mixes with people, calls them to goodness, and endures their harm is better than one who does not. However, if you fear their influence on you, then keep away from them, for averting corruption takes precedence over gaining benefits.