Addiction A Disease Contrary to Human Dignity


Honorable Muslims!

In the verse I have recited, Allah the Almighty (swt) states, "And We have certainly honored the children of Adam and carried them on the land and sea and provided for them of the good things and preferred them over much of what We have created, with [definite] preference."[1]

Dear Believers!

Our Lord Almighty (swt) has created human as the most dignified of all creation. He (swt) has established some restrictions to provide that they maintain their innately pure dispositions while also achieving happiness in this earthly life and the Afterlife. Everything that is compatible with the purpose and wisdom of human's creation is deemed halal, whereas everything that damages and degrades human dignity, or is harmful to human health is prohibited. One of the prohibitions imposed by our sublime religion is addiction, which seizes control of the human will and leads them into physical and spiritual frustration.

Dear Muslims!

Today, addiction is a major issue that wreaks havoc on all communities. Addiction to alcohol, drugs, gambling, smoking, and technology pose a danger to our children, youth, future generations, and humanity as a whole. This is because addiction leads to many diseases and illnesses. Addiction serves as a catalyst for violence, which is just another problem that violates human dignity. It damages and destroys families that are formed through so many efforts. Through ill-gotten gains, seeds of hatred and animosity are sowed. Under the shackles of digital screens, core responsibilities are forgotten and disregarded. So many individuals get lost in the whirlwind of loneliness, disconnected from reality, and pursue fictitious delights in their imagined worlds.

Dear Believers!

Addiction is a disease that makes us forget our reason for creation, and, above all, is ungratefulness against Allah's blessings for us such as reason, will, life, health, and wealth. It casts a shadow on our preordained dignity as human beings. It jeopardizes not only our present day, but also our tomorrows and life in the Hereafter.

Then, what falls upon us is to stay vigilant against addictions. It is our responsibility to refrain from, and to protect others from, all forms of harmful substances such as alcohol and drugs, which are the biggest threat to our physical and mental health. We should not let the malady of gambling squander our lives, property, and wealth.  We should use technology wisely and we should not spend our time in vain. We should remember that good habits and morals are formed in the home, and that our children can only avoid addiction with our care and support. We should refer those in our family or surroundings who are struggling with addiction to consultation and treatment centers.

Dear Muslims!

I would like to conclude this Friday's khutbah with our Prophet's (saw) following warning: "The feet of the son of Adam shall not move from before his Lord on the Day of Judgement, until he is asked about five things: About his life and what he did with it, about his youth and what he wore it out in, about his wealth and how he earned it, how he spent it, and what he did with what he knew."[2]


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[1] 'Isra, 17/70.

[2] Tirmidhi, Sifat al-Qiyamah, 1.

General Directorate of Religious Services

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