THE SIGNIFICANCE OF ALJAWZI'S TEACHINGS IN ERADICATING DRUG ABUSE

The Significance of Aljawzi’s Teachings in Eradicating Drug Abuse

By: Mukhtar Habibu Dankullu

The act of illicit and excessive taking of drugs without prescription as well as other toxicants is among the major problems in many societies. It has innumerable adverse consequences which hinder youth development and affect socio-economic growth. As a result of this, a number of measures, like enforcement of drug laws and anti-drug abuse campaign are employed by government. The measures help, but the problem still persists in many places. Hence, it needs contributions of each and every able bodied adult. 

Abu Abdullah Shamsuddeen Muhammad bn Abubakar popularly known as Ibn Qayyim Al-Jawziyya, was a renowned 14th century Islamic scholar. He studied under many scholars including among others; his father (the principal of Jawziyya School) and Ibn Taymiyya. He taught and inspired students, who later became notable clerics. He authored a lot of works such as Ad Da’i Wad Dawa’a, Igasatul Lihifan et cetera (wikipedia, June 2022). Over centuries, his works are significant for tackling various challenges such as  cheating,illicit behaviour, drug abuse among several others that  currently prevalent in societies. 

His book Ad Da’i Wad Dawa’a discusses in details the causes, consequences and remedies of wrong doings. For instance, it explains that people mostly start bad habits in small piece and gradually it becomes big. Some individuals engage in wrong doings to get relief or get rid of challenges, which are totally a deception by the devil. In several discussions and interviews with some drug abusers, they usually state that they become addicted gradually in order to get relief from tension and tedious situation. But the addiction does not solve the problems. It causes additional challenges such as loss of conscious, poverty among several others. In view of this, it is pertinent to note that illicit use of drugs does not heal but harm. No amount of drugs, syrup bottles or any other toxicants that can aid curing grief or tension. The best solutions for getting relief can be found in the Qur’an and Sunnah such as performing the five daily prayers (properly), recitation of Qur’an, avoiding unlawful and others as suggested by Sheikh Ibn Qayyim Al-Jawziy. 

Besides, Qalb (heart) is the central engine that controls human body and actions. In Igasatul Lihifal, Al-Jawziy listed and explained different kinds of hearts, namely: Sahih, Saqim and Mayyit.  The Sahih is the authentic heart which is beneficial here and the hereafter. It is followed in goodness by the Saqqim. The last one Mayyit as the name implies is dead heart, which normally deviates from doing what is good and subscribes to what is bad and forbidden. It encourages performing evil acts such as stealing, drug abuse and so on. So, the best way to avoid drug abuse is maintaining good heart by following Qur’an and Sunnah. Allah Said: “Innassalata tanha annil fahsha’i wal munkar.....” (Qur’an Chapter 29: Verse 45), “Laqad kanna lakkum fi Rasulullahi uswattan hassanata.....” (Qur’an Chapter 33: Verse 21). The Noble Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Alaikum bi Sunnati wa Sunnati khulafa’ur rashidina” (Al-Hadith). 

Similarly, parents, guardians, government, preachers and counsellors can aid in eradicating drug abuse by providing counselling services, financial and other socio-economic supports to addicts, because there are some heart diseases that can be cured by medicine as stated by Al-Jawziy.  Abstaining from addict influencers and avoiding addiction places/centres are necessary in preventing oneself from addiction. Al-Jawziy mentions, it is unlawful to associate with sinners. Sheikh Al- Akdari also posits: “it is not halal for adult Muslim to associate or live with a sinner (Fasiqun), bi gayri laruratan. Allah Knows Best.