In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

All praise belongs to Allah, the Creator of mankind and Sustainer of the universe. We send blessings and salutations upon the noble Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), who was sent as a mercy to all creation, and upon his family, companions, and those who follow his path until the Day of Judgment.

Introduction

Illicit drugs have become a dan­gerous epidemic threatening our families, institutions, and future generations. Their impact is not only physical or psychological but also spiritual, tearing the fabric of morali­ty, faith, and social cohesion.

Islam, a comprehensive way of life, provides guidance not only for acts of worship but also for health, person­al conduct, and societal wellbeing. Addressing the menace of illicit drugs from an Islamic perspective gives us a moral framework and a roadmap for prevention, treatment, and societal healing.

The debate about illicit drugs use has gained significant attention in the public domain, especially following recent events at Keta Senior High School in Ghana. Reports indicate that students engaged in the destruc­tion of school property, an action widely attributed to the influence of illicit drugs. This incident underscores the urgent need to address drug abuse among the youth.

Definition of Illicit Drugs from Literature

Illicit drugs are defined as sub­stances that are either strictly prohibited by law or misused outside of their intended medical purpose. Ray, O. (1978) define illicit drugs as “substances that affect the central nervous system and alter brain func­tions, causing temporary changes in perception, mood, consciousness, and behavior” (p. 5).

Examples include heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, LSD, tramadol (when abused), and marijuana (in ju­risdictions where it remains illegal).

Definition of Illicit Drugs in Islamic Perspective

Is anything that clouds the mind (muskir), causes addiction, or leads to destructive behaviour is forbidden (haram). The Qur’an strictly prohibits intoxicants in multiple verses:

“O you who believe! Intoxicants, gambling, sacrificing to stones, and divination by arrows are an abomi­nation of Satan’s handiwork. Avoid them so that you may be successful.” (Qur’an 5:90)

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) further said:“Every intoxicant is khamr, and every khamr is haram.” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2003)And al­so,“Whatever intoxicates in large quantities, a small quantity of it is also forbidden.” (Sunan AbuDawood, Hadith 3681).

Scholars like Ibn Qayyim and Imam Nawawi emphasised that the objec­tive of Shari’ah is to preserve the intellect (hifz al-‘aql), and that any substance which threatens this must be prohibited.

Modern narcotics fall under the category of khamr not in form, but in effect.

 By Imam Saeed Abdulai

Founder and Head Pastor of Kingdom Family International Church in Accra, Rev. Stephen Wilfred Arthur, has launched a new book titled: ‘The Journey From Under the Table.’

The launch was held last Sunday at the Potter’s Place Temple of Kingdom Family International Church in Accra.

The 143-page book, according to Rev. Arthur, was about one’s journey from his first breath and the rest of a journey towards a particular destina­tion.

He noted that, “the destination often curated by the paths we choose and the decisions we make along the way. ‘The Journey From Under the Table’ is an incredible material that provides in-depth knowledge and un­derstanding of God’s will for believers in the journey we have to take. Using Lazarus and the rich man as its case study (Luke 16:19-31).”

The book brings to life robust bib­lical lessons and practical principles that would serve as a repository of hope for the believer through every step of their journey.

Using the story of Lazarus as a backdrop, the author provides a clear transition from under the table to the top of it.

He delivers relevant scriptures, life lessons and juxtapositions that promise to hold the reader’s atten­tion from chapter to chapter, while equipping the reader with essential knowledge and skills necessary to journey from obscurity to greatness.

For decades, Rev. Arthur has dedicated himself to the service of God. He is also a pastor, an accoun­tant by training, a prolific author, a relationship and marriage counsellor, and a seasoned preach­er who ministers under the apos­tolic and prophet­ic grace.

His ministry and publications over the years have been a tremendous blessing to people.

Some of these include The Foun­tain of Wisdom, Hope on Trial, The Fundamentals of Deep Worship and Prayer, Strategies and Dynamics for Warfare Prayers, The Unlimited and Unquenchable Anointing.

He has about 27 years of expe­rience and insight in the aviation sector.

Rev. Stephen Wilfred Arthur is an aviation economist and policy expert, and currently, the acting Director-General of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).

 By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme’