Drug abuse is a severe problem in the United States. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, more than 23 million people (9.2 per cent of the U.S. population) aged 12 or older needed treatment for an illicit drug or alcohol use problem in 2012.
There are many types of drugs, each with its unique effects. Some drugs are used to treat medical conditions, others to get high or relax. Some of the most common types of drugs include:
According to Islamic teachings, popular drugs include alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs. It has not just illicit narcotics such as heroin, cocaine, and marijuana but also prescribed medicines like painkillers and antidepressants. Islam views these drugs as escaping reality and causing harm to oneself and others. Some Muslims say that using drugs is equivalent to worshipping the Devil. Islam considers drug use and possession to be a sin.
It is based on the verse in the Quran, which says: "O you who believe! Intoxicants and gambling, and Al-Ansar (i.e. those who associate others with Allah in His worship) are an abomination of Satan's handiwork." The Prophet Muhammad said: "It is not permissible for a believer to consume intoxicants or gamble."
Islam also prohibits the manufacturing, trafficking, and sale of drugs. What are the Risks of Taking Certain Types of Drugs? According to Islam, a few types of drugs are considered haram. These include;
Alcohol is generally considered a harmful drug by Muslims. It can cause physical harm and psychological dependence in users and lead to social problems. Alcohol also has adverse effects on society, contributing to crime rates and other forms of violence.
Tobacco is considered haram or forbidden in Islam. The Prophet Muhammad said that "the smoke of the khamsin (a type of desert sandstorm) is better than the smoke of tobacco." Modern Islamic scholars have reaffirmed this prohibition.
According to Islamic law, all food must meet the basic requirements of sustenance: it must be edible, wholesome, and nutritious. In addition, many Muslims believe that certain foods and ingredients are incredibly blessed by Allah and should not be consumed without prior consultation with a qualified Islamic authority.
Some of these foods include milk and meat products from animals that have been slaughtered explicitly according to Islamic rites, fish caught under specific guidelines (including no consumption of freshwater fish), eggs from hens that have been fed only fresh food, fruits that are organic or locally grown using no chemicals or pesticides, and grains which have not been processed in a way that causes damage to their nutritional value. There are also restrictions on what types of oils can be used in cooking (only olive oil is considered acceptable.
Islam disapproves of medications with harmful side effects, including certain over-the-counter drugs. Islam also disapproves of using natural remedies instead of prescribed medication.
Drugs are mentioned in the Quran and Sunnah. They are prohibited because they lead to immorality, harm others, and destroy families. Some of the most common drugs include alcohol, cigarettes, marijuana, and narcotics such as heroin and cocaine. Muslims should avoid using any drug because it will only lead to trouble.
Ecstasy is a psychoactive drug that creates feelings of euphoria and happiness. It is illegal in most countries, but it is sometimes used recreationally. In Islam, ecstasy is not considered a licit or intoxicating substance. Instead, it is seen as an illicit means of enjoyment that can lead to immorality and sin. Taking any of these drugs is considered a sin and can lead to severe consequences for the user.
Drug abuse is a major social problem globally. According to the World Health Organization, it causes more harm than any other type of crime. It harms people physically and mentally, destroys families and communities, and costs taxpayers billions of dollars annually in health care and law enforcement. Islam teaches that God created humans with the ability to reason and use their minds. Muslims are therefore commanded not to abuse drugs or alcohol because doing so would violate their conscience. Islam also forbids gambling, which can be another form of drug addiction. There are many ways to avoid becoming a victim of drug abuse: