The ruling on carrying Cigarettes to the Masjid

Question :

A man was praying in the Masjid in the Rawdah, i.e., area in the Prophet's Masjid between his Minbar and his house and a packet of cigarettes fell from his pocket. So, what is the ruling concerning his deed and is it permissible to carry cigarettes in the Masjids?

Answer:

If the intent of the question is concerning the ruling of his deed, which is he carrying the cigarettes to the Masjid, then it is not unknown that cigarettes are from the evil matters and that which is disgusting. Smoking them is forbidden due to what it contains of extreme harm upon the self, the wealth and the society. It is also forbidden due to lack of benefit in it. Since it is disgusting, the Houses of Allâh (i.e., the Masjids) must be protected from it. Carrying them (cigarettes) to the Masjids is from that which is contradictory to honoring the Houses of Allâh and respecting them. Therefore, it is not permissible to do so. However, if the intent of the question is concerning the ruling of the deed - meaning the prayer and does the falling of the cigarettes from the pocket of the person praying corrupt or nullify the prayer, the prayer of such a person is correct. May Allâh send blessings and peace upon our Prophet Muhammad.

Source:
The Permanent Committee
Fatawa Islamiyah, Vol. 3 Pages 41-42