Based on obligatory precaution...

Based on obligatory precaution, it is compulsory to refrain from using them in any way [even if there is no harm], except for medical purposes and the like; in the latter case, it can be used only to the extent of need. And Allah knows the best. Question: Medical literature states that smoking is the main cause for heart and cancer diseases, and it also shortens the life span of the smoker.

So, what is the rule on smoking concerning (a) the beginner, (b) the compulsive smoker, and (c) the passive smoker? In the third case, the medical experts say that the smoke also harms a person sitting besides a smoker. What would be, the ruling if he considers passive smoking to be of considerable harm? Answer: a.

Smoking becomes haram for the beginner if it entails serious harm, even at the future, regardless of whether that serious harm is certain, most probable, or just probable so much so that sensible people would demand caution. However, with the protection from serious harm (for example, by smoking less frequently), there is no problem in it. b.

If continuing to smoke will cause serious harm to the compulsive smoker —as explained above— it is necessary for him to refrain from it unless the harm in quitting is similar, greater than to the harm in continuing, or the great difficulty that he will face in quitting is such that it cannot be normally tolerated. c. The same rule as explained in (a) for the beginner, applies in this case also.

Question: Some people believe that a brain-dead person is a dead person, even if the heart has not yet stopped and that it will definitely stop after that. This is what the doctors say. Is a person who has been pronounced brain-dead be considered dead, even if his heart is still working? Answer: The criterion in applying the term “dead” in so far as the application of religious laws goes is the common perception of people, in the sense that they would call him “dead”.

And this is not proven in the situation mentioned in the question. Question: The medical profession demands that the doctor checks his female patients carefully; and since getting undressed for medical checkup is common in some European countries, is it permissible to engage in medical practice here in such circumstances? Answer: It is permissible, if one refrains from forbidden looking and touching, except where the check up of the patient requires them.