The young Muslims of today are facing an ever-increasing number of plights, one of the most important of which is drugs. But, what is Islam’s view on this issue? How should Muslims regard drugs? To know this, we must see what the Quran and the prophet’s and Imams’ conducts (Sirah) say regarding narcotics.

Since drugs were not known at the advent of Islam, therefore we cannot see any direct evidence in the Sirah on this issue throughout history; so the only way is referring to general rules and principles of jurisprudence.

In general, it has been indicated, firstly, that since drug consuming inflicts tremendous losses, it is considered as forbidden (Haram), unless medical emergencies and necessities require it. Secondly, buying and selling it, is forbidden except where rational, lawful benefits are received, such as medicine production. This form of usage must be under precise official supervision and control. Based on these facts, Muslim scholars hammered out four rational and crystal clear reasons for the forbiddance of drug consumption:

1. All Intoxicants Are Unlawful

All intoxicants are regarded as forbidden because of their inebriant repercussions, as well as their physical-mental adverse effects on individuals and communities. Moreover, drug consumption causes moral degeneration, body and intellect corruption, inflicts severe cultural, social and economic losses and finally ruins societies.

Someone who suffers drug addiction is not able to oversee his behavior, loses his zeal, motivation and common sense, and as a result is ready to do anything to obtain drugs without any consideration. A Drug-addicted person, also, cannot fully adhere to his Islamic practices, since drugs turn him into an irresponsible and a total inefficacious human.

2. The Method of the Wise

Wise men throughout history always avoided using drugs and this attitude is entirely in line with the Islamic law (Shari’a). Following in the footsteps of great personalities and considering their lifestyle is an authoritative way and a logical ground to reason against drug consumption.

3. “No Harming, nor Reciprocating Harm”

This rule is one the most important and fundamental jurisprudential rules which is applied to a wide range of Islamic teachings. On this basis, people should not engage in deeds that inflict excessive losses. Today, we can say from experience that drug consumption encompasses significant social and individual damages and creates completely irresponsible generations. Accordingly, the rule of “No harming nor reciprocating harm” can provide us with the most rational ground to argue against drug consumption; its adverse effects are not only directed to the drug-addicted person himself/herself but also his/her family, relatives and even the whole society.

Furthermore, drug addiction is one of the most significant causes of self-destructing and life-ruining behaviors. We have a clear affirmation about this reality as Allah Almighty says: “and do not cast yourselves with your own hands into destruction” (2:195).

4. Lawfulness of Good Things and Prohibition of Vicious Ones

In Islam, every evil thing which results in heavy losses is forbidden (Haram); clearly, the drug with its many negative effects on a broad spectrum of people is categorized as highly harmful. There is a vivid indication on this claim in the Holy Quran: “He makes lawful to them all the good things and forbids them from all vicious things” (7:157).

The weakness in wisdom and perception power can be considered among the most important disadvantages of drug consumption; therefore, Islam names “common sense preservation” as the most important obligation for a Muslim. Now it is easy to understand why the Islamic law (Shari’a) bans all sorts of intoxicants like alcohol, drugs, etc.

It is noteworthy that based on the first-ever report on worldwide addiction statistics released by researchers, which uses data from sources including the World Health Organization and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, drug addiction has reached epidemic levels across the globe and there were 230 million drug users worldwide in 2015. The report found that drug takes a higher toll on “productive years of life lost” than does any other intoxicant. That means people dependent on drugs not only die younger but also have poor health over a more extended period. Drugs affect their work, relationships, and consequently reduce their quality of life [1].

These results prove how far Islam predicts the disadvantages of using drugs and why it is declared as forbidden (Haram) on almost all of the Islamic decrees.

References:

1. Drug
2. Drug
3. Drug

Shaban is the eighth month on the Hijri calendar. The three months of Rajab, Sha’ban, and Ramadan are considered among the most important months in the Islamic view. The month of Sha’ban is considered to be the month of the Prophet (PBUH & HP).

In this regard, Imam Ali (AS) says,

Ramadan is the month of Allah and Sha’ban is the month of the Prophet (PBUH & HP) and Rajab is my month (1)

Various important religious events take place in Sha’ban, including,

1. The Birth of Imam Hussain (AS) (Sha'ban 3, 4 AH)
2. The Birth of Abbas ibn Ali, the brother of Imam Hussain (AS) (Sha'ban 4, 26 AH)
3. The Birth of Imam Sajjad (AS) (Sha'ban 5, 38 AH)
4. The Birth of Imam Mahdi (AS) (Sha'ban 15, 255 AH)

The most important event of this month is Imam Mahdi’s birthday. Shiite Muslims celebrate this day and congratulate each other. Some also stay up on the eve of Sha’ban 15th and pray for the arrival of Imam Mahdi (AS). 

The recommended practices in Shaban

In every month of the year, various prayers and practices have been recommended by the Prophet (PBUH & HP) or the Shiite Imams (AS). Among all, these three months, Rajab, Sha’ban, and Ramadan, are full of prayers and practices that you can say or do and we mention some of them for Sha’ban month below.

Fasting

Fasting is one of the most important practices you can do in Sha’ban.

In this regard Imam Sadiq (AS) said,

When Sha’ban arrives, Imam Sajjad (AS) had gathered his followers and he told them: “My companions! Do you know which month is this? the Holy Prophet (PBUH & HP) said, ‘Sha’ban is my month so fast in it for my love so that you can get closer to Allah.’” (2)

Also, the Holy Prophet (PBUH & HP) said, 

The heavens are decorated every Thursday in Sha’ban and the angels tell Allah, ‘O our God! Forgive the ones who fast during this month and answer their call. (3)

He also said,

Anyone who fasts on Mondays and Thursdays of Sha’ban Allah will satisfy twenty needs of them in this world and twenty needs of them in the hereafter. (4)

As you may know, fasting in Ramadan is obligatory, but in Sha’ban it’s not mandatory and yet so recommended. It has also been recommended to fast in the last days of Sha’ban so that the fasting of Sha’ban and Ramadan combine. 

Imam Sajjad (AS) said,

The fasting of Sha’ban and Ramadan can meet and if you fast these two months in a row your sins will be forgiven. (5)

Also, Imam Sadiq (AS) said,

Anyone who fasts during the last three days of Sha’ban, Allah will reward them as if they fasted two months in a row (6)

Prayers

• Every day in Sha’ban has an exclusive prayer; we mention the most important ones here. 

 You can say 70 times every day,

اَسْتَغْفِرُاللهَ وَ اَسْئَلُهُ التَّوْبَةَ: I Ask Allah for forgiveness and want him to turn back to me

•  In the last three days of Sha’ban, it is recommended to say,

اللهُمَّ إِنْ لَمْ تَكُنْ غَفَرْتَ لَنَا فِيمَا مَضَى مِنْ شَعْبَانَ فَاغْفِرْ لَنَا فِيمَا بَقِيَ مِنْهُ: O Allah! If you haven’t forgiven us in the past days of Sha’ban, then forgive us in the remaining days of it.

The al-Sha’baniah prayer

The al-Sha’baniah prayer is one of the most popular Shiite prayers. This prayer includes various spiritual subjects and so many points about the attributes of Allah and His love. This prayer is narrated by Imam Ali (AS) and it is said that all the other Imams had always read this prayer during Sha’ban. 

You can hear this prayer through this link 

How should we pray?

There are some practices that are recommended to do before, during, and after our prayers, including;

Salwat

Salwat is a prayer that you say to remember Prophet Muhammad (PBUH & HP) and his progeny. This is Salawat:

اللهُمّ صَلِّ عَلی مُحَمَّد وَ آلِ مُحَمَّد و عَجِّل فَرَجَهُم

O, Allah! Bless Muhammad and the progeny of Muhammad and send their savor sooner

It is recommended to say this prayer before and after every other prayer you say. Imam Sadiq (AS) said,

Anyone who has a wish should start with Salwat, then ask Allah their wish, and after that say Salawat again because Allah is so great that he wouldn’t ignore a praying that is between two accepted prayers because Salawat is always answered by Allah and there is no obstacle for it. (7)

Raising hands

Imam Hussain (AS) said,

The Prophet (PBUH & HP) would always raise his hands for praying like a beggar who wants food. (8) 

Praying in group 

Imam Sadiq (AS) said,

When my father was sad, he would gather all the women and the children and pray and others would say ‘Amen.’ (9)

The Sha’ban month is a great opportunity for every servant of Allah to get closer to him by praying and doing the aforementioned practices. Actually, this month makes you ready for Ramadan because you can ask Allah for forgiveness in this month and if it is accepted, which is so likely, you will enter the Ramadan month while you are pure of any sin. So, do not lose this chance. 

Resources

1. Vasa’il ash-Shia, Sheikh Hurr al-Ameli, vol.10, pg.493
2. Bihar al-Anvar, Allamah al-Majlesi, vol.94, pg.82
3. Vasa’il ash-Shia, Sheikh Hurr al-Ameli, vol.10, pg.493
4. Vasa’il ash-Shia, Sheikh Hurr al-Ameli, vol.10, pg.493
5. Vasa’il ash-Shia, Sheikh Hurr al-Ameli, vol.10, pg.496
6. Vasa’il ash-Shia, Sheikh Hurr al-Ameli, vol.10, pg.498
7.  Al-Kafi, Sheikh Koleini, vol.2, pg.494
8. Bihar al-Anvar, Allamah al-Majlesi, vol.90, pg.294
9. Al-Kafi, Sheikh Koleini, vol.2, pg.487