Pubdate: Fri, 25 Jun 2010
Source: National, The (UAE)
Copyright: 2010 Abu Dhabi Media Company
Contact:  http://www.thenational.ae/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4896
Authors: Haneen Dajani and Alyazia al Shaibani

STRONG FAMILY TIES URGED IN FIGHT AGAINST THE SCOURGE OF DRUG USE

ABU DHABI // Consuming drugs and alcohol is a form of suicide, 
worshippers will be told today during the Friday sermon.

God forbids people from doing anything that will harm themselves or 
others, it says. "Everybody knows the connection between drug abuse 
and various physical, psychological and social illnesses."

It adds: "Therefore, when a person takes narcotics and alcohol he is 
considered to be leading himself to destruction, and Allah says [in 
the Quran]: 'Spend your wealth for the cause of Allah, and be not 
cast by your own hands to ruin.'"

There is a consensus among Islamic scholars that drugs are prohibited 
in Islam, because the Prophet Mohammed said: "Every intoxicator is 
alcohol, and every alcohol is forbidden," imams will say in the 
sermon. Mohammed Moustafa, a social behaviour expert and former imam, 
said anti-drug campaigns should also focus on how drug problems can be fixed.

"You should give him concrete steps on how to stop," Mr Moustafa said.

To avoid falling into the cycle of drug abuse, imams will advise 
people to have stronger family ties, avoid too much free time and 
distance themselves from associates who can be a bad influence.
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