Drug abuse is a growing menace that affects individuals, families, and societies. It weakens the body, clouds the mind, and leads a person away from righteousness. Islam, a complete way of life, strongly condemns anything that harms human health and disrupts social order. Among the greatest evils it warns against is intoxication, which includes drug abuse and alcoholism. The Qur’an, Hadith, and teachings of scholars leave no doubt that drug abuse is forbidden (haram) and destructive to both this life and the hereafter.
The Alarming Rise of Drug Abuse in Kashmir
Kashmir, once known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, is now grappling with a devastating crisis—drug addiction among youth. Reports indicate that thousands of young people in the Valley have fallen prey to substance abuse, with heroin, cannabis, and pharmaceutical drugs being widely misused. The easy availability of narcotics, unemployment, peer pressure, and the psychological trauma of prolonged conflict have pushed many young Kashmiris toward this dark path. The once-promising youth are now trapped in addiction, leading to an increase in crime, broken families, and ruined futures.
The Islamic Perspective on Intoxicants
Allah (SWT) has clearly prohibited intoxicants in the Qur’an: “O you who have believed, indeed, intoxicants, gambling, [sacrificing on] stone alters [to other than Allah], and divining arrows are but defilement from the work of Satan, so avoid it that you may be successful.” (Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:90)
This verse places intoxicants (alcohol, drugs, and other harmful substances) among the major evils that Satan uses to misguide believers. It not only prohibits their consumption but also commands complete avoidance. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) also warned about intoxicants: “Every intoxicant is khamr (alcohol) and every khamr is haram.” (Sahih Muslim 2003). The word khamr does not refer only to alcohol but to any substance that clouds judgment, damages reasoning, or causes addiction—including modern drugs like heroin, cocaine, and marijuana.
Why Does Islam Forbid Drugs?
Islam forbids anything that harms a person’s physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Drug abuse:
- Destroys the Mind – Drugs impair judgment, making a person incapable of distinguishing between right and wrong.
- Ruins Health – Drug addiction leads to severe health complications, such as organ damage, mental disorders, and even death.
- Breaks Families – Addicts often neglect responsibilities, causing family breakdown, domestic violence, and financial ruin.
- Encourages Crime – Drug dependency pushes individuals into theft, violence, and even murder to sustain their addiction.
- Leads to Spiritual Loss – A drug addict loses connection with Allah (SWT), neglects prayers, and indulges in sin without remorse.
The Prophet (PBUH) also said: “Allah has cursed khamr, the one who drinks it, the one who serves it, the one who sells it, the one who buys it, the one who presses it (to extract), the one for whom it is pressed, the one who carries it, and the one to whom it is carried.” (Abu Dawood 3674). This hadith makes it clear that Islam does not only forbid consuming drugs but also condemns any involvement in their trade or distribution.
Kashmir’s Drug Crisis: A Threat to Future Generations
The alarming rise of drug abuse in Kashmir has reached the point of a silent epidemic. The younger generation, instead of focusing on education and career, is falling into the trap of substance dependence. The lack of awareness, social stigma, and inadequate rehabilitation facilities make it even harder for victims to recover.
Families are suffering in silence as their children are consumed by addiction. Crimes linked to drug abuse—such as theft, violence, and even suicide—are on the rise. Drug dealers continue to exploit the helplessness of youth, pushing them further into the abyss.
It is our collective responsibility to fight this crisis with awareness, education, and faith. The mosques, scholars, teachers, and elders must play an active role in educating the youth about the dangers of drugs and the Islamic stance against them.
The Path to Recovery: Seeking Forgiveness and Rehabilitation
Islam always leaves room for repentance (tawbah). No matter how deep one has fallen, sincere repentance can bring a person back to the path of righteousness. Allah says: “Say, O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.” (Surah Az-Zumar 39:53)
For those struggling with drug addiction, Islam encourages:
- Sincere Repentance – Regret past mistakes, seek Allah’s forgiveness, and vow never to return to drugs.
- Seeking Help – Addiction is an illness; one should seek medical and psychological treatment while strengthening their faith.
- Replacing Bad Habits with Good Deeds – Engage in Salah (prayer), fasting, charity, and good company to replace harmful habits.
- Avoiding Temptation – Cut ties with those who encourage drug use and surround oneself with righteous friends.
Drug abuse is a path of destruction that Islam warns against in the strongest terms. It damages the body, soul, and society. However, Islam also offers hope and guidance for those seeking to change. By turning to Allah (SWT), seeking help, and making sincere efforts to reform, anyone can break free from addiction.
Kashmir must wake up to this crisis. Parents, teachers, religious leaders, and the government must work together to save the youth from this devastating trap. The beauty of the Valley should not be overshadowed by the darkness of addiction. Our youth are the future—it is our duty to protect them, guide them, and show them the light of Islam.
May Allah protect our youth from the traps of intoxication and guide those who are struggling towards healing and righteousness. Ameen.
(Author is a budding writer and a student)
