Vaping restrictions timely, necessary – Muslim community

See full statement below: 

Muslim Community Statement on Vaping

The Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) and the Muslim Youth Organisation of Guyana (MYO) offer their strongest and most unequivocal endorsement of President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s decision to restrict the importation of vapes and vaping products.

This is a timely, courageous and necessary intervention in defence of Guyana’s children. No responsible society can remain silent while products capable of creating nicotine dependence and exposing young people to harmful substances are made easily accessible, attractively packaged and falsely presented as harmless recreation. The health, dignity and future of our children must always stand above commercial profit, fashionable trends and individual convenience.

The president’s action reflects a clear understanding that national development is not only about economic growth and physical infrastructure. It is also about protecting the children and adolescents who must inherit and sustain Guyana’s future.

From an Islamic perspective, this position is a moral obligation. Islam commands the preservation of life, health, intellect and family. The Holy Qur’an instructs believers not to cast themselves into destruction and not to cause harm to themselves or others.

The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, established the enduring principle that harm must neither be inflicted nor returned with harm. Where credible medical evidence points to addiction, respiratory damage and serious long-term health risks, especially for young people, it is incumbent upon families, communities and the State to act before the harm becomes entrenched.

Muslim scholars across the world have repeatedly cautioned against smoking and nicotine addiction because of their proven injury to health, their association with grave diseases including lung cancer, and the waste they impose on individuals and families.

Vaping must not be allowed to become a new pathway into the same culture of addiction. Its flavours, colours, sleek devices and social-media appeal must not disguise the danger of nicotine dependence or make unhealthy conduct appear modern, sophisticated or acceptable.

We therefore commend President Ali for demonstrating once again leadership grounded in responsibility to the entire Guyanese people, for taking decisive action rather than waiting for a deeper public-health crisis to take root.

We call upon every Guyanese to join in safeguarding our children from addiction, illness and preventable harm. Let this be a national commitment: that no child’s health, promise or future will be sacrificed for the sale of a vape.