Fruitful Living
Islamic Position on Illicit Drugs (Part 2)
In Ghana, the Narcotics Control Commission Act, 2020 (Act 1019), prohibits the possession, use, trade, or cultivation of narcotic drugs without lawful authorisation.
The law now adopts a more public health-based model, emphasising rehabilitation and education while still maintaining punitive measures against trafficking and illegal possession.
This opens doors for religious and social actors to play key roles in prevention and healing.
How the Youth and General Society Are Typically Lured into Illicit Drugs;
One of the primary gateways to drug use is peer pressure. Many young people are introduced to drugs by friends who make substance use appear fashionable or as a coping mechanism for stress, boredom, or emotional trauma.
In urban slums and some schools, peer groups become influential in shaping behaviour, particularly when parental supervision is weak or societal structures have collapsed.
Another contributor is media influence—with movies, music, and social media sometimes glamorising substance use. Unemployment, poverty, broken homes, academic stress, and lack of religious education also contribute significantly.
Shaykh Abd al-Rahman al-Sa‘di explains that when faith weakens, individuals seek escape in destructive behaviours. Hence, strengthening iman (faith) is a critical defence against temptation.
Rescuing Victims: Rehabilitation and Social Support
Those who fall into drug addiction must not be condemned but rather supported with compassion and care. Islam emphasises mercy and hope:
“Say, O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins.” (Qur’an 39:53).
Rehabilitation centres, faith-based recovery programmes, community counselling, and mosque-based interventions are all vital tools.
Imams and scholars should be equipped with basic knowledge in addiction counselling. Collaboration with the Narcotics Control Commission and health institution can create models where religious guidance and medical treatment go hand-in-hand.
Impact of Illicit Drugs on Society
Illicit drug use damages physical health, corrupts moral values, and leads to crime and unemployment. It depletes a nation’s human capital, as youths and adults become dependent, mentally unstable, and economically unproductive. It also leads to violence, theft, and domestic abuse.
The Qur’an declares: “And do not throw yourselves into destruction with your own hands.” Qur’an 2:195)
Impact of Illicit Drugs in Schools
In Ghana, the increasing prevalence of drug abuse in schools has led to absenteeism, violent behaviour, academic failure, and mental health issues.
Some school dropouts have become part of gang culture, especially in urban areas, threatening future national development. These environments must be purified and protected with strong policy, parental involvement, and faith-based education.
UNICEF, Ghana Health Service, and Other Reports
UNICEF (2019) highlighted the correlation between substance abuse and early childhood trauma, noting that youth exposed to abuse, neglect, or poverty are more susceptible to drug use.
The Ghana Health Service’s 2022 report showed a 17 per cent rise in mental health cases linked to drug abuse, with youth between 15–35 years most affected.
Narcotics Control Commission Statistics
According to the 2022 Annual Report of the Narcotics Control Commission, over 8,000 arrests were made for drug offenses.
Cannabis remains the most abused drug, with growing concerns about synthetic drugs and pharmaceutical abuse, especially tramadol and cough syrups with codeine.
By Imam Saeed Abdulai
Preparing for Ramadan through the month of Sha‘ban
THE month of Sha‘ban, which precedes Ramadan, serves as a spiritual training ground. The Prophet (s.a.w.) devoted significant attention to this month, fasting frequently and encouraging heightened acts of worship. ‘Aishah (r.a.) narrated:
“I did not see the Messenger of Allah complete fasting in any month except Ramadan, and I did not see him fast more in any month than in Sha‘ban.” (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī; Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim)
During Sha‘ban, Muslims are encouraged to:
• Observe optional fasts,
• Increase Qur’anic recitation,
• Engage in charitable deeds (ṣadaqah),
• Strengthen community bonds and service.
These acts gradually condition both the body and soul for the rigours and blessings of Ramadan.
Scholarly guidance and community sensitisation
Across Muslim communities, scholars and religious leaders organise lectures, workshops, sermons, and media engagements to educate the Ummah about Ramadan. These initiatives address:
• The jurisprudence (fiqh) of fasting,
• The obligation to make up missed fasts from previous years,
• The ethical conduct expected during Ramadan,
• The spiritual, social, and health benefits of fasting.
Modern studies have also affirmed that fasting, when properly observed, contributes to improved self-discipline, metabolic balance, and emotional regulation—findings that align with Islamic teachings on moderation and self-control.
The role of parents and families in Ramadan preparation
Preparation begins at home. Parents play a vital role in nurturing a Ramadan-conscious environment by:
• Encouraging children and young adults to try voluntary fasts,
• Training family members to wake up for Tahajjud (night prayers),
• Establishing regular family supplications and Qur’an reading sessions.
Such practices help instill lifelong spiritual habits and strengthen family unity through shared worship.
By Imam Alhaji Saeed Abdulai
JESUS, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. – Luke 4:1-2a
Introduction
Lent is a period when the Holy Spirit strengthens us to face the day to day testing and temptations. Just like Jesus overcame the temptations of the devil, we also have power and will to overcome any temptation that comes our way. I invite you to give your whole heart to Jesus Christ and enjoy the power to overcome the devil’s schemes.
Tempted by the devil
One aspect of Jesus’ temptation resolved around what kind of Messiah, or Saviour, He would be and how He would use His anointing (His authority and empowerment) from God. (Many Jews would reject Him because He did not fulfill their expectations of a political “Saviour” who would step forward with military might and free them from Roman rule.)
• Satan tempted Jesus to use His power to serve His own self-interest to gain glory and power over the nations instead of accepting the humility and suffering that was ahead for Him. This was an opportunity for Him to satisfy the people’s expectation for a charismatic Messiah.
• Satan still tempts Christian leaders to use their spiritual authority, position and ability for their own self-interest, to establish their own reputation and power and to please people rather than God. Those who selfishly compromise with Satan have actually surrendered to His control.
• Jesus turned away every one of Satan’s temptations by properly referring to God’s Word (“It is written”). If this was the effective strategy for Jesus, we certainly must know and rely on His Word as revealed to us in the Bible.
LUKE 4:4 – MAN DOES NOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE.
• Satan tempts Jesus’ “flesh”, or physical desires, of which hunger is perhaps the strongest – particularly after such an extended time without food. While it may have seemed reasonable to perform a miracle to eat, Jesus would not be tempted to use His power for selfish reasons. Jesus meets and resists Satan’s temptation by declaring that He will live by God’s Word above all else.
Jesus is saying that everything truly important in life depends on God and His plans and purposes. To strive for success, happiness or material things apart from God’s way and purpose will lead to disappointment and end in failure.
Jesus emphasized this truth when He taught that we must seek God’s kingdom (God’s authority, activity, purposes and power in our lives) above anything and everything else. If we do, God promises to take care of all our needs and give us all other necessary things just the way He intends.
By Rev. Dr Joyce Aryee
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