Someone asked this question: “As-salamu `alaykum. I own a grocery shop where we sell cigarettes. I understood that income from selling cigarettes is haram. But, if I stop it, it will affect my business. So, what if I calculate the percentage of profit which I get from cigarettes and use that percentage of money from my income/profit which I individually make to be spent in charity? Can I do it? I know I can’t expect to have any reward from that charity but, I can make sure that I am not consuming haram. Is it possible? If not, tell me that too.“
What you proposed in your question is not right and not appropriate. Smoking is forbidden (haram) because of the great harm it causes. Dealing in cigarettes is also forbidden.
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) is reported to have said: “There should be no causing harm or reciprocating harm.” Once you own such a harmful item, you are required to destroy it.
This means that the action of selling it is itself haram. Please, abstain from selling cigarettes and Allah Almighty will not let you down. Whatever provision is assigned to you by Allah Almighty will reach you wherever you are.
Allah Almighty knows best.
