Vaping restrictions timely, necessary – Muslim community

The Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) and the Muslim Youth Organisation of Guyana (MYO) have issued a strong endorsement of President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali's decision to restrict the importation of vapes and vaping products, calling it a timely, courageous and necessary intervention to protect Guyana's children. The statement argues that no responsible society can remain silent while products that create nicotine dependence and expose young people to harmful substances are made easily accessible, attractively packaged and falsely presented as harmless recreation, stressing that children's health, dignity and future must stand above commercial profit and trends.

From an Islamic perspective, the organisations describe this position as a moral obligation, citing Islam's command to preserve life, health, intellect and family, and the Qur'anic instruction not to cast oneself into destruction. They reference the Prophet Muhammad's principle that harm must neither be inflicted nor returned with harm, and note that Muslim scholars worldwide have repeatedly cautioned against smoking and nicotine addiction due to proven health injuries, including lung cancer. The statement warns that vaping must not become a new pathway into the same culture of addiction, and that its flavours, colours and social-media appeal must not disguise the danger of nicotine dependence.

The organisations commend President Ali for leadership grounded in responsibility to all Guyanese people and for taking decisive action rather than waiting for a deeper public-health crisis. They call on every Guyanese to join in safeguarding children from addiction, illness and preventable harm, framing it as a national commitment that no child's health, promise or future will be sacrificed for the sale of a vape.

(Source：Inews Guyana)