The use of relaxants and mind-altering substances is addressed broadly in Islamic, however the specific categorisation of cannabis and its permissibility is a topic that demands a close examination of Quranic verses, hadiths and traditional scholarly reasoning.
"They ask you about wine and gambling. Say, 'In them is great sin and [yet, some] benefit for people. But their sin is greater than their benefit.'" (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:219)
"O you who have believed, indeed, intoxicants, gambling, [sacrificing on] stone alters [to other than Allah], and divining arrows are but defilement from the work of Satan, so avoid it that you may be successful. Satan only wants to cause between you animosity and hatred through intoxicants and gambling and to avert you from the remembrance of Allah and from prayer. So will you not desist?" (Surah Al-Ma'idah 5:90-91)
"O you who have believed, do not consume one another's wealth unjustly or send it [in bribery] to the rulers in order that [they might aid] you [to] consume a portion of the wealth of the people in sin, while you know [it is unlawful]." (Surah An-Nisa 4:29)
The Prophet (pbuh) said, "Every intoxicant is khamr (wine), and every intoxicant is haram." (Sahih Bukhari, Book 23, Hadith 446)
The Prophet (pbuh) said, "If much intoxicates, a small quantity of it is also forbidden." (Sahih Muslim, Book 23, Hadith 5003)
The Prophet (pbuh) said, "Whatever intoxicates in large quantities, a small quantity of it is also forbidden." (Sunan Abi Dawood, Book 26, Hadith 3672)
The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) forbade all kinds of intoxicants and relaxants. (Sunan Abi Dawood)
Imam Al-Ghazali: "The general prohibition on intoxicants encompasses all substances that alter the mind. Cannabis, due to its mind-altering effects, falls under this prohibition."
Ibn Qudamah Al-Maqdisi: "Any substance that induces intoxication is deemed haram. The prohibition on khamr (wine) extends to all intoxicants, including cannabis."
Ibn Taymiyyah: "The prohibition on intoxicants is rooted in preserving the intellect and protecting individuals from harm. Cannabis, given its impact on cognitive function, is encompassed by this prohibition...Consuming this hashih in solid form is haram, and it is one of the most evil of haram plants, whether a little of it is consumed or a lot." (Fatwa al-Kubra)
And regarding consuming intoxicants, regardless of the way in which they are consumed Ibn Qasim al-Shafi'i said:
“What is meant by the drinker is the consumer, whether it is drunk or consumed otherwise, whether there is consensus on its being forbidden or there is a difference of opinion concerning that, and whether it is solid or liquid, cooked or raw.”
The question of whether smoking weed (cannabis) is haram in Islam necessitates a nuanced examination of both Quranic verses and Hadiths alongside the perspectives of renowned Islamic scholars. The Quranic verses emphasize the harmful consequences of intoxicants, categorizing them as defilement from the work of Satan. While cannabis is not explicitly mentioned, the general prohibition of relaxants and mind-altering substances aligns with the broader principles articulated in these verses.
Islamic scholars across various schools of thought, converge on the unanimous view that substances that are relaxants or causing intoxication, including cannabis, are impermissible in Islam. Their collective consensus is grounded in preserving the intellect, avoiding harm, and upholding the general prohibition outlined in Hadiths. The severity of the Prophet's (pbuh) statements on relaxants and intoxicants establishes a clear stance against any substance that alters the mind or induces relaxation.
Misconceptions surrounding the permissibility of cannabis often stem from the belief that its effects are less severe than traditional intoxicants. However, scholars dismiss such notions. The prohibition includes smoking or consumption of any intoxicant (without good reason or exception) that alters the mind or induces relaxation.
Islam emphasises personal responsibility. However, the prohibition of relaxants and mind-altering substances, including cannabis, indicates such choices conflict with the principles of preserving the intellect and avoiding harm.
While medicinal use may be permitted under certain circumstances, it must align with Islamic permissions for such circumstances.
The scholars cited, representing diverse schools of thought, agree on the prohibition of relaxants and mind-altering substances, including cannabis.
Cultural perceptions must align with Islamic principles. While some cultures may have differing views, the ultimate authority is the Quran, Hadiths and scholarly consensus, which prohibit such substances.
Islam embraces repentance. Seeking forgiveness, sincere remorse, and a commitment to avoid such actions in the future can lead to Allah's mercy and forgiveness.
As to the question of whether weed (cannabis) is haram to smoke, an analysis of Quranic verses, ahadith and perspectives of scholars reveals a stance against smoking of relaxants and intoxicants (for non-necessary or medical reasons), rooted in the preservation of intellect and avoidance of harm, encompasses cannabis. The collective weight of evidence underscores the imperative for Muslims to abstain from relaxants and mind-altering substances, irrespective of their specific names.
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