al-firaushah

The Dangers of Drugs And Society’s Responsibility

May 5, 2006 on 11:30 am | In MUIS Khutbahs, Benefits of an Islamic Lifestyle |

Khutbah from the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore
5 May 2006 / 7 Rabiul Akhir 1427

Blessed Friday congregation,

I call upon myself and my brothers here to increase our piety and faith in Allah (swt). Piety to fight our desires. Piety to fight against evil. Let us increase our piety. Let us open our hearts to understand this religion – the religion that will bring us towards success in this world and in the hereafter.

In last week’s sermon, we have heard much about the many ways there are to follow the teachings of our Prophet (saw) at this age. This time, we will look at several issues which our society is facing, and how we can view each problem and how we handle it together.

Today, there is a donation going around at all the mosques in Singapore for the Harun Ghani Education funds. Because of this event, today’s sermon would like to remind us all about the dangers of drugs and also our responsibility as part of the society. Although this issue is less critical now, we cannot be complacent and put it aside. We need to be more sensitive and look for ways to ensure that our society remains free from this vice.

My beloved brothers in Islam,

We must provide proper and accurate understanding of the dangers of drugs to our children, family and friends. Although Islam does not state clearly about drugs, Islam has laid down clear guidelines about it by using a similar example to drugs, which is alcohol. Allah says in Surah Al-Maaidah verse 90-91:

“O you who believe! Intoxicants (all kinds of alcoholic drinks), and gambling, and Al-Ansab, and Al-Azlam (arrows for seeking luck or decision) are an abomination of Shaitan’s (Satan) handiwork. So avoid (strictly all) that (abomination) in order that you may be successful. Shaitan wants only to excite enmity and hatred between you with intoxicants (alcoholic drinks) and gambling, and hinder you from the remembrance of Allah and from As-Salat (the prayer). So, will you not then abstain?”

Rasulullah also advised his companion, Abu Musa Al-Asy’ari, who had asked Rasulullah (saw) about the rulings on alcoholic drinks which were fermented from honey, and alcoholic drinks which were fermented from cereal. Rasulullah answered shortly:

“ALL that is intoxicating is forbidden.” (Narrated by Imam Muslim.)

We definitely cannot deny that both drugs and alcohol are intoxicating and damaging to the mind. Therefore, on this basis, alcoholic drinks are forbidden and on this basis, too, drugs are forbidden.

My beloved brothers,

The harm brought about by drugs is great. Do realize that not only the drug addict’s life is affected. Not only his health, his money is wasted; this vice will also wipe out the smiles from his children and his wife, to be traded with tears and much regret, which is useless.

The bad effects of drugs are not limited only to the individual, but will be felt also by his family and those who love him. His parents’ hopes will be destroyed, his relatives’ dreams will be destroyed, and his children and wife who are under his care will also face a destroyed future.

Drug abuse used to be a serious problem among those who were less educated. However, today, this problem has become a trend and a fashion statement, which is widely spreading in the society. With the emergence of synthetic drugs, this abomination has taken a new look. Drugs are now more accessible and easier to be tried, coming in different types of pills in different colours. Such drugs, although they may look harmless, still cause the same effects. Such abuse triggers loss of awareness, deteriorating health, and loss of dignity and values. Drugs can lead a person to destruction.

My beloved brothers,

The question here is, what can we do? What are the steps that we can take to ensure that this issue will not be a serious problem for our society again?

The first thing we can do is to practise “enjoining goodness and forbidding evil,” by always reminding our children, our relatives and our family to abstain from drug abuse and to explain about its dangers to oneself, family and society. Remind them not to be dragged into destruction. Remind them of Allah’s Words in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 195:

“And spend in the Cause of Allah (i.e., Jihad of all kinds) and do not throw yourselves into destruction, and do good. Truly, Allah loves Al-Muhsinun (the good-doers).”

Secondly, among the many ways to help those who are involved with drug abuse is to collaborate in helping their families who are being tested by this vice.

In consideration of this, today all the mosques in Singapore will be collecting funds for the Harun Ghani Education Funds. It is an effort to help the children of the abusers to continue their education. A proper education will help these unfortunate families to build their families again and look forward to a bright future. This is our responsibility. Let us not miss this opportunity to help them by making this effort a success. Let us remember a hadith of the Prophet (saw):

“Allah helps His servant, as long as His servant helps his brothers.” (Narrated by Imam Muslim)

Besides that, let us pray to Allah, may our brothers and sisters who are involved with drug abuse recover from their addiction and remain free from drugs. Let us also pray for their children: may this effort help them in excelling in their studies and leaving the vicious cycle, and building better and more successful families.

Hopefully, with this effort, our society will continue to turn into a society that brings goodness and contributions to our religion and our country.

Glossary:
Rasulullah: The Prophet of God; i.e., Muhammad (saw).
(saw): These letters are abbreviations for the words “Salla Allahu ‘Alaihi Wa Sallam,” which means, “may the blessing and the peace of Allah be upon him.” When the name of Prophet Muhammad is mentioned, a Muslim is to respect him and invoke this statement of peace upon him.
Sunnah: In this context, sunnah means a recommended practice, something that should be done but is not obligatory.
(swt): These letters are abbreviations for the words of “Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala.” When the name of Almighty Allah is pronounced, a Muslim is to show his respect to Him by reciting this. The meaning of this statement is that Allah is purified of having partners or a son.