Rafed English
site.site_name : Rafed English

Adopted from the book : "A Glance at the World of Youth" by : "Al-Balagh Foundation"

Among the great problems, as well as, social, health and security tragedies which are afflicting the present, materialistic civilization and the uncultured individual, is the drug problem and its addiction. Statistics conducted by some institutions concerned, confirmed that among the most complicated problems of youths and teenagers is the taking of drugs. Indeed, these substances have destructive effects and negative results on the body and spiritual health, the economy and in the field of crime and general deviated conduct and, likewise, on the family and social relationships. Thus, drugs are substances which destroy the capability of man and spiritual, as well as, power of conscience and, likewise, social position and, at long last, became a tragedy to the society.

Also, taking drugs and their subsequent addiction has its own spiritual and intellectual factors which government and other institutions are trying hard to prevent through educating their citizens, especially the youths and teenagers, on their evil effects. In view of this, many laws were enacted, international resolutions made, and many conferences held for the prevention of drug use and production. In addition to the efforts of some governments to bring an end to this dangerous calamity, though this is not the end, physicians, as well as, criminologists and sociologists...etc., have rendered great efforts in studying the issue of drugs and their addiction, as well as, their negative effects on the body and society's health and man's activities generally, but, at long last, all these studies confirm one point and that is that man and the society must be prevented from the dangers of drugs.

In conclusion, all these scientific researches and the studies of the experts, in different fields, end in agreement with the Islamic shari'a's stance of prohibiting the use of alcohol and drugs and the severe punishment for the offender. Thus, in their reformatory efforts, the nations and reformatory organizations are trying hard, by adopting the addicts and the drug traffickers socially, i.e., by providing work and occupations for them, as well as, social respect in the community's eye and, likewise, rehabilitating them, morally, after their deviation from the true way of life and morals. Efforts are made by the experts, media, family, school, laws, government and reformatory organizations in rescuing people from this dangerous epidemic triumph, but a youth is more worthier in salvaging himself, salvaging his personality from collapsing, his conduct from deviation and social disrespect, preventing his life and health from danger and turning himself around to be a benefit to the community and its source of respect, thereby, rescuing the downfall of his personality and exposing it to danger. The most dangerous drugs, taken by addicted people, which are harmful to the health, as well as, the society and the system, as the statistics of the experts show, are:

1. Alcohol
2. Opium and its by-products
3. Cannabis (marijuana)
4. Cocaine
5. Kat (khat-Catha edulis)
6. LSD and other hallucinogens
7. Heroine ...etc.

Already the Islamic Shari'a has prohibited the drinking of alcohol, as well as, the use of drugs, due to their harmful effects to the mind, spirit, body and wealth, and, likewise, the prescribed punishment for those who indulge in their use, for preserving the indvidual, as well as, the community's health from the evil of this epidemic, and it discourages from rape, theft, aggression, family problems and other negative effects on the children of the addicted persons. Allah, the Most High, says:

"O you who believe! Intoxicants and games of chance and (sacrficing to) stones set up and (dividing by) arrows are only an uncleanness, the Shaitan's work; shun it..." Holy Qur'an (The Table Spread 5:90)

It is in view of this, that the Qur'an terms alcohol as filth and an atrocity which must be shunned, as the Qur'an also regards alcohol among the causes of misunderstanding and security problems where it calls it enmity and hatred. Allah, the Most High, says:

"The Shaitan only desires to cause enmity and hatred to spring in your midst by means of intoxicants and games of chance..." Holy Qur'an (The Table Spread 5:91) And, it is reported that the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) said:"Any intoxicant is forbidden." 23 Due to the danger that afflicts whoever takes this deadly substance, Islam prohibits the manufacturing of beer, transactions of it, drinking, as well as, the selling of the substances used in its production, if it is known that they will be used for illegal purposes. And, surely, much concern is being given, educationally, and through the mass media on its prohibition, as well as, its danger to life, and was founded on the aim of safeguarding human life and protection from its evil effects.

Consequently, among the most dangerous effects of taking this substance, is its effect on the intellect and lack of consciousness which results in sexual violation (rape) and acts which destroy man's personality and dignity, as it causes the waste of billions of dollars annually in the taking of this substance and its cure, whereas (if not because of this) this huge amount of wealth could be used to fight poverty and on other welfare programs like sufficent health and educational services to the community. But these extravagant acts cause the suffering of millions of people all over the globe. In addition, the negative effect on man's health is caused by this deadly and destructive substance.

Notes :

23. Sunan Abi Dawud, vol. 3, page 328.