Decriminalization of prohibited drugs: a challenge to Muslim youths in a secular society

• Main Authors: Tagoranao, Mariam Saidona, Gamon, Alizaman Dumangcag
• Format: Conference or Workshop Item
• Language: English; English
• Published: University of Quebec, Montreal (Canada) 2017
• Subjects: H Social Sciences (General)
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/61142/1/Cebu%20Decriminalization%20of%20%20Prohibited%20Drugs%20FullPaper.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/61142/19/61142_Decriminalization%20of%20Prohibited%20Drugs.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/61142/; http://hssmr.org/conference.php?slug=SASSH-17&sid=4&catDid=142

Decriminalization of illegal drugs have been proposed in different forums as the easy way out or the possible approach in preventing drug abuse. It was proposed and strongly supported by some groups of intellectuals after drug policy failed to alleviate this devastating problem in their own respective state. The advocates emphasized that legalizing drugs and regulating its sale, like alcohol, will reduce crimes. But some of those who go against it, their objections are more on moral and religious reasons against drug use. For Muslims, moral debate on the war on drugs is not hidden as clearly out in the open. But in spite of this, the Muslim youths’ involvement in drug use is increasing day by day. This study will identify how far the Muslim youths have been affected by illegal drugs and its effect if decriminalized by a secular society. In conclusion, legalizing prohibited drugs is a foolhardy and reckless proposal against the new generations’ future. Islam never allow the illegal drug use because of adverse effects on personal health and social harms. Therefore, Muslims youths need a sense of purpose and a spirit of understanding the religious legal texts to internalize the moral and ethical teaching of Islam in relation to lawful and unlawful acts.