Indonesia's top Islamic body declares e-cigarettes haram

Indonesia's highest Islamic authority has declared electronic cigarettes haram, or forbidden under Islamic law, marking a significant stance on the growing use of vaping devices across the Muslim-majority nation.

The Indonesian Ulema Council, the country's pre-eminent body of Islamic scholars, based its ruling on concerns over the health risks posed by e-cigarettes and their environmental impact. The decision reflects broader regional and global scrutiny of vaping products, which have proliferated in recent years despite ongoing debates over their safety profile compared to traditional tobacco.

The fatwa carries considerable influence in Indonesia, where Islam shapes social norms and consumer behavior for the majority Muslim population. Religious rulings from the council often inform public policy and influence purchasing decisions among devout followers.

The declaration comes as countries across Asia grapple with regulating e-cigarettes and other nicotine delivery systems. Some nations have implemented strict restrictions or bans, while others have adopted more permissive approaches pending further scientific evidence.

Indonesia has previously moved to tighten regulations around tobacco and nicotine products, though enforcement remains inconsistent across the archipelago's diverse provinces.