Answers to: Is using marijuana permissible in Islam?<p><strong>Salaams, brothers and sisters. Please take the time to read this, I know its a huge post, but please help a brother in need of guidance.</strong></p> <p>I am a 24 year old Muslim from India. I pray my salaah often (not as much as I would like, InshaAllah, I will pray more). I constantly (like 4-5 times an hour) read ayat-ul-kursi or one of the 4 Qul Surahs, or recite Allah-hu-Akbar or Alhamdulillah or Ashadu-an-la-ilaha-illallah-wa-ashadu-anna-muhammadan-abduhu-wa-rasooluhu. I always remember Allah.</p> <p>I want to know whether using marijuana is allowed in Islam, or whether it is makroo, or haraam.</p> <p>I know that most of you out there will say that anything that intoxicates you is outright haraam, but lets take a moment to define "intoxication".</p> <p>In my opinion, intoxication, when speaking from an Islamic standpoint, is a mental state where a person cannot bear witness to the fact that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah SWT and Muhammad SAW is his messenger. A mental state where a person only wants to act upon his primal instincts without second thought, or concern for consequences and/or liabilities. A state of inebriation where only base desires and instincts are considered. A state of mind where a man cannot speak properly and/or forgets Allah and his messenger, his books, his angels and jinns and the final day of judgement.</p> <p>Now, I have been smoking marijuana for about 6 years. I feel that it has made me a more open-minded person (verily, everything in the Heavens and Earth is sent from Allah since infinite time), I'm not trying to say that marijuana has made me awesome or anything, all I'm saying is that it has opened my mind to new ways of thinking and experiencing or interpreting situations and phenomena in the same way as a work of literature or art would have. It has enabled me to be more empathetic and understanding, its made me a calmer person, less anxious. It's made me more inclined towards studying and understanding things we usually take for granted. It's made me more able to appreciate art in all its forms, to understand the mood and mental state of the artist. I understand the math behind art and the math behind science, at least how much we have defined as "science". It's enabled me to explore parts of my mind that I would not venture into because something else would distract me. It's enhanced my focus in this way. I feel lighter and less worried, I'm able to let go of things I usually hold on to like grudges and enmities. I'm able to come to terms with traumatic instances in my childhood, like being picked on at school, or being talked down to by teachers, or being insulted and ragged. (These are all verifiable changes I've noticed in myself since before and after taking marijuana, of course, I could be wrong and it could be because of something else entirely.).</p> <p>I'm not an atheist and I believe that science is only what we have been able to define so far. Many theories and concepts in science, physics, astro-physics, etc. exist only as hypothesis, hanging on very weak experiments (whose results may have been mis-read or mis-interpreted), and only exist because they cannot be disproved by any yet known method of scientific exploration. Much in the same way that many of Einstein's theories are being proved wrong now.</p> <p>There are many questions I have that are unanswered. Like, Allah puts everything in people's paths. Marijuana was put before me by Allah SWT, but I want to know whether it was some kind of a test, like whether I would take it, or whether it was given to me as some kind of answer to my anxiety, or my questions about life. I don't know, I'm very lost and confused right now, I hope I'm not committing a sin by asking these questions. Verily, Allah knows my intentions are pure and for knowledge only.</p> <p>The reason I'm feeling so lost and confused is because, on some level deep down, I feel that taking marijuana is bad. I don't know if its because the Governments of the world have deemed it "illegal" or whether its because we've been told all our lives that things like this are "wrong" or whether its because I'm programmed in such a way as to feel guilty for being associated with it.</p> <p>Brothers and sisters, please answer my questions. You'd really be helping me out.</p>enThu, 22 Aug 2013 19:07:42 -0400Answer by UnknownUser<p>Dear hamzac, I find your post was really interesting. Most of it is because I experienced them too. It opened my eyes and made me think, made me see this world in a different angle, different perspective from what I was seeing it before.</p> <p>Still, the holy Quran didn't mention anything about cannabis, only khamr, which is fermented grape and that is haram. But still, one hadith states: "If much intoxicates, then even a little is haram." So this surely puts weed as haram. (Please verify these infos as I took all of these only from wiki :D)</p> <p>So my question, is high from taking weed, can be referred to intoxicates as if we are taking alcohol? Because the effect, as I can assure all of you, is different from alcohol. I took weed and I drive, I go to class, I did everything that I was supposed to do as a student. Nothing changes. But alcohol, it is totally different from weed. We can't drive, we can't make decision, and we became aggressive under its influenced. It is totally chemicals(man-made), whereas weed on the other hand are natural(plants made by God). That is my comparison between weed and alcohol.</p> <p>Now, let me compare weed with cigarette. Again, cigarettes are man-made, highly toxificated, and it also affects anyone who inhaled it. Cigarettes are proven to cause cancer and it is killing people for more than a century. Weed on the other hand, doesn't not have any of these effects. NONE. Anyone that does not believe my statement are welcomed to dig it yourself. Weed cause you nothing bad, only that people would say we would become LAZY.</p> <p>Man, anyone who is lazy will kept be a lazy unless they change that. Allah had stated in Quran that He will not change the fate of a human being unless he himself change his fate. I took weed and it turns out okay for me. I live my everyday life, not just sit in my room smoking pots like it were in the movies. For me, taking it MADE ME THINK and I loves to think. :D</p> <p>Another thing, it is true that weed are labelled as the gateway drug. Means that weed is only the first level, after that, we are more likely to be taking something more, eg. other drugs, crystal meth, cocaine. But let me assure you, taking weed did not made us take those drugs. Again, it is our choice to take or not to take those drugs. Weed are labelled as the gateway drug simply because it is the cheapest of all. And why is that? Because it came from plant. Those drug in the other side of the wall, is chemicals, made by human, and simply gives the pleasure which weeds cannot give us. That is why people take those drugs.</p> <p>Anyway, someone please look into this, <a href=""></a> </p> <p>I stumbled upon this when I was searching for Prophet Khidr. I think, they were saying weed have some connection to do with the green prophet. I don't really understand it and for someone who have knowledge in this, I am asking for your help. Btw, it's nice to have all of you brothers and sisters which still care for the others. Thanks :D</p>UnknownUserThu, 22 Aug 2013 19:07:42 -0400 by UnknownUser<p>As-salamu 'alaykum wa rah-matul lah</p> <p>I'm not sure when this was posted but I found this on the internet while looking for the same answer.</p> <p>Most people who say it is Haraam say that it is like alcohol, which is 100% false. Anyone saying it's like alcohol is blowing air our their backside in response to lack of knowledge regarding the properties and effects of the plant. It has little to no harm from what I can see, have read and been told. I'm waiting for them to make cannabis legal so they can perform more tests so we can be more definite on what is said about the plant, but based on research already done, there is more benefit than harm.</p> <p>I wouldn't smoke before praying either, I wouldn't put anything before praying unless it was urgent/an emergency.</p> <p>So far in my search for the same answer you're looking, I'm leaning more toward it not being as "haraam" as people say, but just as anything else, we need to limit ourselves and not overdo it.</p>UnknownUserMon, 19 Aug 2013 03:37:37 -0400 by Meemo2<p>Killing yourself is haraam</p> <p>marijuana kills you</p> <p>bam</p>Meemo2Mon, 22 Apr 2013 18:19:14 -0400 by akbaralim<p>Some people will argue that it is haraam and liken it to suicide because of the poisonous inhalation of smoke. This argument is flawed because many acts, such as driving a car, may appear suicidal, when they are, in fact, not. They are dangerous, yes, but that is all. If your intention while you smoke pot is "I am doing this to die," that is haraam. If not, you are fine. As in all things, the best approach is balance, mediation. Dependency upon any substance takes away from one's love of Allah, so as long as you are balanced, there is no wrongdoing. Some people argue that it is haraam because it is an intoxicating substance. If any substance that alters the consciousness of the individual is an intoxicant, you'd better avoid coffee or tea or any food containing sugar or caffeine, and any food that makes you feel happy, like ice cream. This, obviously, is ridiculous and impractical. The idea is to a) not develop a habit; and b) never let any substance control YOU. Assalamu alaykum.</p>akbaralimWed, 17 Apr 2013 23:20:09 -0400 by ANZ<p>Dear Brother, It is an intoxicant so it's Haram, Haram, Haram, whether you are high or drunk it has the same ruling of it being used. While science has shown medical benefits of it to subside intense pain there is no justification for recreational use as it alters your state of mind. This substance remains in your body long after it's use and you pray carrying this intoxicant in your body. This plant/drug is like alcohol that opens other doors for you to commit sins. The fact that you state; a part of you knows it's bad is a way of you telling yourself you should not be doing it and not programing or its issue of legality; you subconsciously know its not right for you. You mention it's benefits of how it has helped you yet you say you are lost and confused.</p> <p>If you have made up your mind that justifies its use, then only Allah can help you understand right from wrong. And Allah knows best.</p> <p><a href=""></a></p>ANZTue, 16 Apr 2013 22:12:15 -0400 by Light<p>If anyone can give a definition with their interpretation then where would the world be today. This is the definition of Intoxication  in the dictionary 1. Stupefaction or excitement by the action of a chemical substance. 2. Exhilaration, excitement, or euphoria. 3. overpowering exhilaration or excitement of the mind or emotions.</p> <p>Drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, opium, etc are all unlawful (haram) due to the various harms connected with them.</p> <p>Marijuana is a psychoactive drug made from the leaves of the cannabis plant. It is usually smoked but can also be eaten. It is the most commonly used and considered to be a soft drug.</p> <p>Marijuana intoxicates a person the same way alcohol does. It weakens one�s senses and the capability to reflect. Scientific research has proven that, marijuana has much harm, and could lead one in becoming an addict to other hard drugs.</p> <p>The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him &amp; give him peace) said: �Every intoxicant is prohibited.� Sahih al-Bukhari, no. 4088)</p> <p>And he (Allah bless him &amp; give him peace) also said:</p> <p>�That which intoxicates in large quantities is prohibited in small quantities.� (Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah, and others, with a sound chain of narrators)</p> <p>So if it does intoxicant you if you use a large amount, then it is haram to even use a small amount. This should end the discussion right her. But I will further elaborate.</p> <p>So what was the definition of intoxication again.</p> <ol> <li>Stupefaction or excitement by the action of a chemical substance.</li> <li>Exhilaration, excitement, or euphoria.</li> <li>overpowering exhilaration or excitement of the mind or emotions.</li> </ol> <p>No matter what it has done for you. It is the side of effect and by definition the side effects are the intoxication. It is unanimously  declared haram by scholars. Not from their minds but from the evidence of the Quran and sunnah.</p> <p>The science of Hadith is one that is dependent on the science of Quran but also one that is necessary for the proper understanding of Quran.</p> <p>So how do we look at to help us understand the Hadith and the Quran. The scholars and why are they best of people.becuse they have the understanding of the religion </p> <ol> <li>Mu`awiyah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah said, "When Allah wishes good for someone, He bestows upon him the understanding of Deen.'' [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].</li> </ol> <p>So here there is no need to doubt the illicit nature of such modern narcotics like cocaine, heroine, etc. or such soft drugs that are available in the club scenes, places, unfortunately, visited frequently by Muslim youth in the West.</p> <p>all drugs are Haram due to the fact that they intoxicate a person in one way or another. One looses the ability to think and reflect in a proper manner, and that is intoxication. If you have a local scholar, seek his advice.</p> <p>This an excerpt from a man who used weed.</p> <p>MAY ALLAH BLESS YOU ALL, WHETHER MUSLIM OR NON-MUSLIM...ALLAH LOVES US ALL LET'S SUBMIT TO HIM AND DO WHAT'S RIGHT! THERE IS NO FUTURE IN DRUGS..WOULD U WANT YOUR LITTLE BROTHER OR SISTER DOING DRUGS? I THINK NOT..NOT IF U HAD A HEART AND FEARED ALLAH..THINGS R EASIER TO LEARN WHEN YOU LOOK AT THEM SUBJECTIVELY.....ALLAH IS BEAUTIFUL...ALLAH IS SMARTER THEN YOU...YOU R HIS CREATION HE KNOWS U BETTER THEN U PERCEIVE. DRUGS R A TEST!!!! WHY WOULDNT HE﻿ TEST US IN LIFE? THIS LIFE WAS MADE TO BE HARD</p> <p>BOTTOM LINE IS I'VE﻿ BEEN THERE AND GURANTEED I'VE DONE WAYYYYYY MORE DRUGS THEN YOU SIR. THEY ARE ALL STUPID AND PARADOXICAL. WEED MAKES U THINK EVERYTHING IS COOL, AND YOUR SO INSIGHTFUL YET U EAT EVERYTHING IN UR WAY AND BECOME A MONSTER N ALWAYS THINK ABOUT SMOKING WEED AND U GET LAZY ..ALLAH IS WISE AND HE TELLS US "NOTHING GOOD COMES FROM HARAM" AND THIS IS TRUE...LOVE ALLAH..LOVE EACH OTHER...SCREW DRUGS THEY ARE SO DUMB I WISH I NEVER TOUCHED THEM JUST BECUZ I MISSED SALAT. GOD BLESS ALL</p>LightWed, 10 Apr 2013 11:26:36 -0400 by jook<p>Do you not feel ashamed for trying to make things not permissible, when they are not mentioned in the Qur'an as haraam? </p> <p>Genesis 1:29</p> <p>Then God said, "I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food.</p> <p>Genesis 1:30</p> <p>And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds in the sky and all the creatures that move along the ground--everything that has the breath of life in it--I give every green plant for food." And it was so.</p> <p>Genesis 1:31</p> <p>God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning--the sixth day.</p> <p>Here is a question though: If the law of your land specifically outlaws marijuana, and their are is potential punishment involved for the use thereof, why would you risk using it?</p> <p>Do you desire the harvest of this life, or of the hereafter?</p>jookTue, 09 Apr 2013 20:47:32 -0400 by abdulrasaqtoheeb11<p>It is haram because ALLAH SUBHANA WAT'ALA SAID IN HIS KITAB THAT: DONT KILL YOURSELF.AND THE SCIENTIST SAID SMOKERS ARE LIABLE TO DIE YOUNG.and also there is no different between marijuana and cigarette. Indirectly the Scholars confirm that smoker are killing their selves gradually.which means they are against ALLAH SUBHANA WAT'ALA COMMAND. Also,what will make yo go against ALLAH SUBHANA WAT'ALA COMMAND,DO NOT DO IT.<br> </p>abdulrasaqtoheeb11Mon, 08 Apr 2013 04:45:25 -0400 by sadie<p>Alaykum Salam.Haram brother and no way around it. </p>sadieMon, 08 Apr 2013 03:48:52 -0400