Nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) such as the patch or gum help relieve withdrawal symptoms and cigarette cravings that may be experienced when trying to quit smoking.
When a person stops smoking, the nicotine levels in the body drop suddenly. This can cause withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, headache, disturbed sleep, anger, and cigarette cravings. In just a few weeks, the body will clear itself of nicotine and these symptoms go away.
The patch provides a steady, controlled release of nicotine absorbed through the skin throughout the day to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings associated with quitting smoking. Less nicotine is obtained from the patch than in cigarettes. It also does not contain the tars and poisonous gases found in cigarettes.
Dr. Muhammad M. Abu Laylah , Professor of Islamic Studies and Comparative Religions at Al-Azhar University, states the following: It is clear that the nicotine patch is used to help you to stop smoking. That is why we see no reason from the Shari`ah point of view to stop it during Ramadan since nothing goes to the stomach through the mouth or through any other opening in the body, as the jurists agreed. This goes to the body through the cells and it is considered, by and large, no more than a treatment, not a diet or drink.
We implore Allah to help you stop smoking and to get rid of this bad and damaging habit.
In Ramadan as in other months, we should keep our mouth clean for worship and devotion and the recitation of the Qur’an.