Although the names hookah and shisha are frequently used interchangeably, are they truly the same thing? The quick response is no. Both entail smoking flavored tobacco, but they differ in terms of their history, make-up, and methods of consumption.
The apparatus used to smoke flavored tobacco is referred to as a shisha, also spelled sheesha or hookah. A water pipe, a bowl for the tobacco, a hose, and a mouthpiece are the typical components. Mu’assel, a mixture of tobacco, molasses, and flavors like fruit or mint, is the tobacco used in shisha. Charcoal is used to heat the tobacco, and before being inhaled through the hose, the smoke is pulled through water.
On the other hand, the term “hookah” is used to describe the full smoking device, which also includes the water pipe, other parts, and the shisha. Popular in South Asian and Middle Eastern cultures, hookahs are available in a wide range of styles and dimensions. They are frequently used as a form of social interaction, with groups of individuals passing the hose around and sharing a hookah.
Herbal shisha, a non-tobacco substitute for regular shisha, has seen an increase in popularity in recent years. Herbal shisha contains no tar or nicotine and is created from a blend of herbs and fruits. It’s crucial to remember that, despite being promoted as a better substitute for conventional shisha, it still creates smoke and can have harmful consequences on health.
Next, let’s talk about prayer and shisha. Although smoking is usually frowned upon in Islam, shisha and hookah use are not expressly forbidden. Some scholars contend that smoking is haram (forbidden) and hence incompatible with prayer since it affects the body. In the end, it depends on personal preference and interpretation.
Opinions regarding shisha during Ramadan, the sacred month of fasting, are likewise divided. As a sign of self-control and commitment, some Muslims decide not to smoke shisha throughout Ramadan. Others contend that it is OK so long as it does not conflict with religious responsibilities such as fasting.
Finally, a shisha party is a social event where guests mingle while smoking shisha. They are common in South Asian and Middle Eastern cultures and can range from tiny, private gatherings to lavish, grand occasions. Before hosting or going to a shisha party, people should carefully check local laws and regulations because smoking shisha may be prohibited in some nations.
Finally, despite the fact that the terms hookah and shisha are frequently used interchangeably, they are not the same. Shisha is the name for the flavored tobacco smoked through a water pipe, whereas hookah is the name for the overall smoking device. There are differing views on whether smoking herbal shisha is acceptable during prayer and Ramadan, despite it being a non-tobacco option that is becoming more and more popular. Shisha parties are a well-liked social event, but guests should always be mindful of any applicable local rules and ordinances.