Is Snus Haram?

• Tobacco products like cigarettes and snus are widely considered haram.
• Nicotine alone may be viewed differently than tobacco.
• Addiction and harm-related principles influence rulings.
• Nicotine products typically break fasting during Ramadan.

Many rulings around substances reference general Islamic principles relating to harm and self-control. A commonly cited principle is the idea of avoiding harm, and this underpins rulings on lifestyle choices. 

It is rooted in the Quran and summarised in Hadith "No harm shall be inflicted or reciprocated." Such values shape how substances like nicotine are viewed.

"And do not let your own hands throw you into destruction." 

- Quran 2:195

These principles lay groundwork for understanding the differing views surrounding smokeless and tobacco-free nicotine products.

If you use nicotine pouches, you might be wondering whether they break a fast, or whether they are considered haram. These are common questions, and you’re not alone in asking.

Tobacco products are ruled as haram, due to their tobacco content and combustion method. But is tobacco-free snus haram? Nicotine pouch ingredients are different. Let’s break it down.

• Cigarettes: Burn tobacco and produce smoke.
• Snus: Tobacco pouches placed under the lip; contains tobacco leaf and nicotine.
• Nicotine pouches: Contain nicotine, plant fibres, flavourings, and no tobacco leaf. Sometimes called “tobacco-free snus”, although they are a separate product.

This distinction matters because, in Islamic rulings, the harm associated with tobacco often forms the basis for declaring snus and smoking haram. This opens up the wider debate around nicotine pouches.

Before we dive into that, here’s a more detailed guide on the differences between snus and nicotine pouches.

When it comes to nicotine on its own (as found in nicotine pouches), scholars take different stances:

• Some view nicotine as strongly discouraged (makruh) due to its addictive nature.
• Others note that nicotine itself may not be prohibited if it does not lead to harm.
• Some argue that addiction alone can be a basis for avoidance.

Since views vary, individuals often consult knowledgeable religious authorities for guidance.

Ramadan, a time for reflection and discipline, raises specific questions about what breaks a fast. The discussion around nicotine in Islam isn’t new, but the rise of tobacco-free options, such as VELO, has broadened the conversation. So, Is VELO haram?

While we’ve established that tobacco products such as cigarettes and traditional snus are widely regarded as haram, the ruling on nicotine itself remains debated.

Most scholars agree that nicotine pouches break the fast because substances with physical effects enter the body during use. Outside fasting hours, discussions about their permissibility follow the same principles applied to other nicotine-containing products.

To dive deeper into this topic, read up on the effects of snus and nicotine pouches.

When discussing substances such as nicotine, many Islamic scholars refer to broad principles found in Islamic teachings relating to harm, moderation, and self-control. 

Commonly referenced verses include:

• “And do not let your own hands throw you into destruction.” (Qur'an 2:195)
• “Do not kill yourselves. Surely Allah is Most Merciful to you.” (Qur'an 4:29)
• “Eat and drink, but do not be excessive.” (Qur'an 7:31)

These verses highlight a general emphasis on avoiding harm and maintaining balanced behaviour. This context helps explain why discussions about nicotine, tobacco, and related products vary among scholars, depending on how these principles are applied. 

Understanding how nicotine pouches work and the long term effects can also help clarify these discussions.

Interpretations around nicotine pouches vary, particularly because they do not contain tobacco. Individuals often consider religious guidance and principles of moderation when deciding how to approach nicotine use. For personalised advice, consulting a trusted religious authority is recommended.