Appendix 35

Drugs & Alcohol

There is no compromise whatsoever regarding illicit drugs and alcoholic beverages; they are called "abominations and the work of Satan" (5:90). In 2:219 and 5:90, we see that "intoxicants, gambling, the idols' altars, and games of chance" are strictly prohibited. The word used for intoxicants is "Khamr" from the root word "Khamara" which means "to cover." Thus, anything that covers or hinders the mind is prohibited. This includes anything that alters the mind, such as marijuana, heroin, cocaine, alcohol, hashish, and anything else that affects the mind.