Khaberni - Resistance to change is a deeply rooted human syndrome; many of us cling to bad habits even if we are certain of their harm, because change threatens their comfort zone or some social benefits.
When the change is health-related and proven effective — such as banning smoking in public places — resistance shifts from legitimate caution to practices that harm the society itself and infringe upon the freedoms of others.
In Jordan, for example, the smoking ban project received support at the highest level of leadership, with a royal directive emphasizing the need to address the serious effects of smoking and to enhance the enforcement of the smoking ban in public places. Governmental bodies issued several circulars and campaigns to enforce the Public Health Law (Law No. 47 of 2008), which mandates a smoking ban in public places, and the Ministry of Health paid attention to enforcing this law through modest inspection campaigns, and fairly good awareness campaigns, although not up to the desired standard. Internationally, the Kingdom has adhered to tobacco control agreements and became a party to the World Health Organization's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC), an international treaty that prescribes measures to reduce tobacco spread and protect public health, and despite what has been mentioned, smoking rates in Jordan are still the highest globally.
Despite this, we see a resistance to change in forms we are not accustomed to, where groups ridicule those who demand enforcement of the ban, or bully them at workplaces and social events, portraying them as exaggerators or nuisances. These behaviors are not based on medical or ethical facts, but on defending a bad habit that causes inevitable diseases and reduces others' quality of life. The social harm to those demanding compliance with the law — through bullying or mockery — reflects a social bias fearing the loss of privilege, even considering it a right for themselves, while forgetting that they have already infringed on the freedom of their families and friends by not providing a safe and healthy environment, and even on the commands of the Almighty to maintain their health. From a religious and legal perspective, although the term "smoking" is not mentioned in the Quran, scholars and juristic bodies in Jordan have conveyed the prohibition based on general evidence and analogy since the Sharia prohibits harming oneself and others, as in His words: "And do not throw [yourselves] with your [own] hands into destruction" (Al-Baqara: 195) and "And do not kill yourselves" (An-Nisa: 29). Scholars in the Jordanian Department of Ifta have issued fatwas clarifying that smoking is forbidden religiously because it causes definite harm to health and others.
Those who resist changes aimed at protecting public health harm themselves first, then their families and their community. We pray for the recovery and salvation of the addicts from this scourge, and the community should support them in seeking treatment and help to quit because recovery is possible and self-care is a duty. Thanks are also due to those who work hard to reduce this scourge.
