The Red Devils created a solitary chance towards the end and were even lucky not to concede as Smouha's breakaways proved dangerous throughout.
Earlier in the day, Zamalek were held to a goalless draw by Arab Contractors, paving the way for Ahly to move four points clear.
Ahly's second draw in nine matches prevented them from extending their advantage but they remain on top with 23 points, two ahead of defending champions Zamalek.
Smouha, who extended their winless run to four matches, lie 13th with eight points from nine matches.
Ahly struggled for openings in the first half, with Smouha restricting them to some half chances.
It was Smouha who threatened on the break, with Mohamed Saied racing clear after 11 minutes but his chipped effort was thwarted by towering goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shennawi, who rushed out in a timely manner.
Smouha's Nigerian striker Sodiq Awujoola was guilty of a glaring miss in the 35th minute when he blasted high over with the goal at his mercy after a low cross somehow found him amid some terrible Ahly defending.
It was a similar story in the second half, with Ahly also finding it hard to trouble Smouha's tight rearguard.
The introduction of playmaker Magdi Afsha and striker Hossam Hassan made little impact, with Ahly threatening once when midfielder Hamdi Fathi sent a free header over the bar three minutes from time.
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