It is to be hoped that the widespread publicity being given
to the evil effects of smoking, both on smokers and on those who have to
breathe smoke-laden air, will help to convince everyone of the wisdom of
'Abdu'l-Bahá strongly discouraging Bahá'ís from smoking. However, Bahá'ís
must be careful not to go beyond the Teachings in this matter and try to
enforce as a law a matter in which Bahá'u'lláh has deemed it wise to allow
freedom of decision.
- The Universal House of Justice (From a letter dated March
4, 1974, to a National Spiritual Assembly; compilation: Developing Distinctive
Baha’i Communities, NSA of USA, 1998 edition)