…in the sight of God, smoking tobacco is deprecated,
abhorrent, filthy in the extreme; and, albeit by degrees, highly injurious to
health. It is also a waste of money and time, and maketh the user a prey to a
noxious addiction. To those who stand firm in the Covenant, this habit is
therefore censured both by reason and experience, and renouncing it will bring
relief and peace of mind to all men. Furthermore, this will make it possible to
have a fresh mouth and unstained fingers, and hair that is free of a foul and
repellent smell. On receipt of this missive, the friends will surely, by
whatever means and even over a period of time, forsake this pernicious habit.
Such is my hope.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (‘Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’)
