Is It Permissible to Inhale Laughing Gas?
Answered by Shaykh Anas al-Musa
Question
Is it permissible to inhale laughing gas?
Answer
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
All praise is due to Allah, Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon the Messenger sent as a mercy to the worlds, our Master and Prophet, Muhammad, and his Family and Companions.
Permissibility for Medical Use
Using laughing gas (nitrous oxide, N₂O) is permissible only for medical purposes and under the supervision of a qualified physician. Its non-medical use, or use without a doctor’s supervision, is prohibited.
If you are referring to the use of laughing gas for medical purposes, such as during surgery or dental procedures, it is permissible because it falls under necessary medical treatment. However, if the intent is recreational use, it is not allowed.
The Medical Context and Explanation
I consulted a trusted medical expert to clarify the nature and uses of laughing gas. The expert explained that laughing gas is a type of anesthetic gas used for sedation and pain relief, primarily in medical settings. It should never be used outside of a medical environment, and only under the supervision of medical professionals.
Prohibition of Recreational Use
As this gas falls under the category of substances that can intoxicate or impair judgment, its use outside medical necessity is considered haram (prohibited), similar to other intoxicants or narcotics. Islamic law allows the use of such substances only in cases of urgent medical need, based on the principle that “necessities permit prohibitions.” The one to determine this necessity is a qualified Muslim physician.
The prohibition of intoxicants and mind-altering substances is clear in the following hadith:
“The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said: ‘Every intoxicant is haram.’” [Bukhari]
Another hadith narrated by Umm Salama (Allah be pleased with her) states:
“The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) forbade every intoxicant and every substance that causes dullness (narcotic).” [Ahmad]
Therefore, as long as the gas is restricted to medical use under supervision, it is permissible, for example, in surgical sedation. However, using it recreationally or outside of medical needs is strictly forbidden.
Ibn ‘Abidin states in Radd al-Muhtar:
“…using a narcotic for medicinal purposes is permissible, but using it for intoxication is a sin, just like alcohol…”
He also says:
“…if it is used for treatment, it is not discouraged because the intention is not to sin…” [Ibn ‘Abidin, Radd al-Muhtar]
Intellect and Protection of the Mind
Finally, I remind you that the intellect is one of the greatest blessings Allah has bestowed upon humanity, distinguishing us from other creatures and making us accountable. Islam seeks to protect and preserve the intellect, prohibiting anything that causes its impairment. There is no doubt that intoxicants and narcotics cause harm to individuals and society. This is agreed upon by people of sound mind, whether righteous or wicked, as Allah says:
“They ask you, (O Prophet,) what is permissible for them (to eat). Say, ‘What is good and lawful.’” [Quran, 5:4]
He also says:
“(The Prophet) permits for them what is lawful and forbids to them what is impure.” [Quran, 7:157]
May Allah bless the Prophet Muhammad and give him peace, and his Family and Companions.
And Allah knows best.
[Shaykh] Anas al-Musa
Shaykh Anas al-Musa, born in Hama, Syria, in 1974, is an erudite scholar of notable repute. He graduated from the Engineering Institute in Damascus, where he specialized in General Construction, and Al-Azhar University, Faculty of Usul al-Din, where he specialized in Hadith.
He studied under prominent scholars in Damascus, including Shaykh Abdul Rahman al-Shaghouri and Shaykh Adib al-Kallas, among others. Shaykh Anas has memorized the Quran and is proficient in the ten Mutawatir recitations, having studied under Shaykh Bakri al-Tarabishi and Shaykh Mowfaq ‘Ayun. He also graduated from the Iraqi Hadith School.
He has taught numerous Islamic subjects at Shari‘a institutes in Syria and Turkey. Shaykh Anas has served as an Imam and preacher for over 15 years and is a teacher of the Quran in its various readings and narrations.
Currently, he works as a teacher at SeekersGuidance and is responsible for academic guidance there. He has completed his Master’s degree in Hadith and is now pursuing his Ph.D. in the same field. Shaykh Anas al-Musa is married and resides in Istanbul.
