Drugs in Islam a taboo? – An intriguing read!

Drugs in Islam a taboo

Drugs are one of the difficulties that Muslims are facing today. It is an evil that is easily accessible and is at large. What attitude should Muslims have toward drugs? What is Islam’s take on the matter? To grasp this, we must look at what the Qur’an and Hadith say about intoxicants, such as drugs. Allah has said,

“Satan’s plan is to sow hatred and enmity amongst you with intoxicants and gambling and to hamper you from the remembrance of Allah and from prayer. Will you not give up?” 

Al Qur’an (5:91)

This verse explains how intoxicants are a despicable act of Satan because they not only sow the seeds of hatred, but they also prevent you from fulfilling the single purpose for which you were put into the world, which is to remember Allah.

Keep in mind that whenever the term “intoxicant” is used, it also includes opioids, which produce a loss of self-control among other things. 

Hence, we know that they are a taboo in Islam. 

Why are drugs forbidden in Islam?

Islam places a high value on the wellness and health of its believers. Drugs are forbidden in Islam since no one is permitted to harm themselves in any way. Muslims are urged to look after the body to which Allah Almighty has entrusted it.

“O’ You who believe! Intoxicants and gambling, (dedication of) stones, and (divination by) arrows are an abomination of Satan’s handiwork. Avoid (such abominations) that you may prosper.”

Al Qur’an (5:90)

Neither Harming nor Harm Reciprocating

This is one of the most essential and fundamental laws in Islam, and it applies to a wide spectrum of Islamic doctrines. People must not engage in acts that cause disproportionate losses on this basis. We can now claim that drug use causes enormous social and individual harm, as well as generational irresponsibility. 

As a result, the rule of “neither harming nor reciprocating harm” might offer us the most rational basis for opposing drug use. Its negative consequences affect not only the drug-addicted person, but also his or her family, relations, and even the entire society. Truly, drug addiction is also one of the most common causes of self-destructive and life-ruining actions.

Allah Almighty says,

“And do not cast yourselves with your own hands into destruction” 

Al Qur’an (2:195).

The Perspective of Hadith 

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) condemns the use of drugs in his Ummah. Alcohol has long been named as the “mother of all evils,” and science now backs up this claim. In addition, it has an impact on physical and mental health, as well as increasing the crime rate in society.

The Holy Prophet (PBUH) clearly condemned intoxicants, according to the Hadith below. 

• According to Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him), the Holy Prophet (PBUH) said: “Whip anyone who drinks alcohol. Kill him if he does it for the fourth time.” He (Jabir) claims that a man was taken to the Prophet (PBUH) after consuming alcohol for the fourth time. He beat him but did not kill him. (Abu Dawood, Tirmidhi) 
• Jabir has reported (may Allah be pleased with him), a man from Yemen approached the Prophet (PBUH) and inquired about a wine produced from corn called ‘Mizr,’ which they drank in their homeland. “Is it intoxicating?” inquired the Prophet (PBUH). “Yes,” he said. “Every intoxication is forbidden,” the Prophet (PBUH) stated. “O Messenger of Allah, what is Teenatul Khabal?” they inquired, “Verily, there is a covenant upon Allah for one who drinks intoxicating liquids, that he will make him drink from ‘Teenatul Khabal.” “The sweat of hell’s inmates or the pus (of impurities) of hell’s inmates,” he added. (Muslim)
• Abdullah ibn Umar has reported that the Prophet (PBUH) has said, “Whoever drinks wine, Allah will not accept his prayer for 40 days. Allah will forgive him if he seeks repentance. If he does it again, Allah would not accept his prayer for 40 days. Allah will forgive him if he seeks repentance. And if he does it again, Allah will reject his petition for a period of 40 days. Allah will forgive him if he seeks repentance. Allah would not accept his prayer for 40 days if he repeats it for the fourth time. If he wants forgiveness, Allah will reject him and force him to drink from the river of impurity (of the inmates of hell).” 
• According to Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him), Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) said, “If a frequent drunkard dies, he shall meet Allah as one who worships idols.” (Ahmad, Abu Hurairah, Ibn Majah)

Effects of Drugs

Drugs can have both short-term and long-term consequences. Physical and psychological problems, as well as dependency, are unavoidable when it comes to drugs. People use three methods to take drugs, inhalation, ingestion, and injection. Once it reaches the blood, it circulates throughout your body via the blood, affecting various organs.

If you have taken drugs, you might behave, feel, and think differently. Moreover, you may also find it difficult to maintain control over your behaviors and thoughts. You may start to use drugs without considering the potential for harm to your body. Furthermore, you may believe that because you are merely a casual user, drugs will not become a problem.

The more you use a drug, the more likely it is that you may develop a tolerance to its side effects. This may necessitate the use of higher doses to achieve the desired results. As a result, data suggests that many medicines might create dependence with chronic usage.

Drug addiction may swiftly wreak havoc on your mental and physical health, as well as your career and social life. It is crucial to keep in mind that there is no such thing as a safe level of drug consumption.

The following are the adverse effects of drugs, 

• Diseases of the lungs
• Loss of memory
• The AIDS virus (HIV/AIDS)
• Damage to the kidneys
• Nausea and abdominal pain 
• Changes in appetite 
• Weight loss 
• A weakened immune system

Conclusion

Drugs are true, forbidden in Islam. About 11.8 million people all over the world die only as a result of drugs. Therefore, we must hinder drug usage. They wreak havoc on people’s lives on a physical, mental, moral, and spiritual level. Anyone who has fallen prey to drugs should seek help as soon as possible. They should seek Allah Almighty’s forgiveness and pray for His help.