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They told us to never speak of it because it was a topic we should not be discussing. They told us that it doesn’t concern our Ummah because we are all doing just fine. They said Muslims don’t use substances like stimulants, depressants, opiates, hallucinogens or cannabis. We stopped discussing substance use amongst the Muslim communities and after years of stigmatizing substance use we have finally realised that we actually have a problem. 

 

“No one becomes addicted intentionally; it is not a goal one sets out to accomplish. Addiction is ultimately the triumph of the soul commanding to evil over the self-reproaching soul. What begins as just one quick glance at a pornographic Web site, one sip of alcohol, one snort of cocaine, one injection of heroin, or even one session of aggressive overeating does not affect every individual the same way. For those who have a weak relationship with Allah, are on the margins of daily worship, are keeping company with similarly heedless individuals, the one glance, the one sip leads them, ultimately, down a slippery slope from which they will have, potentially, a lifelong struggle recovering” (Islam Great Religion, 2011).

 

Not all Muslims will be shocked to learn that there are men and women who struggle with drug and alcohol addictions in the Muslim community (Shah Idil, 2011). However some might find it hard to accept; so instead of being empathic towards this vulnerable population they will begin to stigmatize them. Muslim youth are facing an identity crisis, many of them have become culprits to stigmatization. The main reason why stigma is attached to substance use in the Muslim community is because many people lack knowledge on what it really is. “As a community, we need to offer more compassion, and less judgement. Leave the judgement to Allah, and show the mercy that the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) urged us to have for one another. Instead of condemning a group of people who are suffering enough as it is, we should all ask ourselves what can I do to help” (Shah Idil, 2011). The first step towards breaking the stigma is educating ourselves. Also remember that those who are struggling with substance use problems are human beings that Allah created with feelings, thoughts, aspirations, dreams, dignity and hopes, just like everyone else. 

 

The aim of the HOPE Project of ASPIRE Program is to facilitate conversations and dialogue in the community about addiction, substance use and mental health, and to diminish the stigma around these issues through education and awareness; HOPE Caseworkers are contributing as Stigma Reduction Ambassadors in this regard. If you, your children or anybody around you need support, please call 1-866-824-2525 ext 201 or email at hope@muslimfoodbank.com  or aspire@muslimfoodbank.com.  Please support us by visiting our Facebook page at

https://www.facebook.com/Healingforaddicts and register for FREE training courses at www.muslimfoodbank.com. 

 

 

 

 

 

References:

Islam Great Religion. 2011. Addiction and Islam – The Disease and its Cure. Retrieved from https://islamgreatreligion.wordpress.com/2011/06/04/addiction-and-islam-%E2%80%93-the-disease-and-its-cure/

 

Raidah Shah Idil. 2011. Drugs, Alcohol and Muslims. Retrieved from http://muslimvillage.com/2011/09/22/14948/drugs-alcohol-and-muslims/