WHO EMRO - Summaries

Religion has a strong influence in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. Many of the principles of Islam call upon people to look after their health, to avoid health hazards and risks and to raise their standards of hygiene. The WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean sought the opinions of a number of eminent Muslim scholars with regard to the Islamic ruling on smoking. The general consensus concerning the Islamic ruling was that smoking is either completely prohibited or abhorrent to such a degree as to be prohibited.

This guide systematically discusses the information that will be needed to develop tobacco control legislation. It can be applied to the enactment of legislation at the national, subnational and local levels. The guide considers the role of legislation, key terms and concepts, capacity-building, strategic choices in legislation, elements of comprehensive legislation, the drafting process, the legislative process, obstacles, implementation of legislation and evaluation. It also provides selected case studies of various national laws as well as an introductory discussion of international legal instruments pertaining to tobacco control.

This monograph has been developed by the WHO Tobacco Free Initiative to provide both countries and individuals at national, regional and global levels with information, support and technical assistance on litigation and public inquiries as tools for tobacco control. This monograph describes the power of legislation, litigation and public enquiries as public health tools. It represents a start in the process of globalizing tougher legal actions against tobacco. The actions are a necessary complement to price increases, advertising bans, smoking cessation, smoke-free public places and public education.

Privacy policy

Islamic ruling on smoking

Tobacco control legislation: An introductory guide

Towards health with justice: Litigation and public inquiries as tools for tobacco control