Tobacco and Smoking, A Religious Phenomenon and a Social Heresy in North Africa at the Beginning of the 17th Century AD

Abstract

This historical study deals with an unprecedented social phenomenon which Maghreb witnessed at the beginning of the second millennium AH, the phenomenon of using tobacco herb to improve human temperament, medication, etc . We will also try to introduce this plant and its relation to the social scourges that emerged in the Maghreb in the 17th century, through Moroccan contemporary references. Such as the book of Ibn-abi Mahlli entitled "El-Isleet, 1022 AH" and the Tamanarti's book "El-Fawaid el-Jemma, 1070 AH", in addition to his concise book: "Muhaddid Esinan fi Nuhur Ikhwan Edukhan" …et al. The article also discusses approaches regarding the date of access into Morocco and its spread among the community members, scientists, rulers and slaves ..., how did the contemporary sources reported and disagreed about the verdict?  How did the public believe that it is a supernatural herb of wisdom, magic and innumerable benefits? And how some of the scholars, Sufis and even ordinary people noticed their futility and uselessness, And all that is rumored are illusions, at the same time, some were afraid of it, others thought it was a sign of the end of the world.