Ramadhan a catalyst to quit smoking

JAKARTA: For those who wish to quit smoking, the fasting month can be a good month to begin, as Muslims are not just battling hunger and thirst but also other worldly pleasures, said the Indonesian Smoking Control Foundation.

During the fasting period of the day, Muslim smokers are required to resist the urge to light up, therefore the Foundation is suggesting they banish the habit altogether.

Aside from the health risks to the smoker, smoking is also against many basic Muslim principals of harming one's body as well as harming others, the foundation said while quoting a verse from the holy Koran.

"The habit of smoking will not only bring a negative impact to the smoker but also to the people around them," said Renie Singgih, the chairwoman of the foundation said in her statement, referring to second-hand smoke inhalation. --JP