Role of the Mosque in Confronting the Epidemic of Substance Abuse

Role of the Mosque in Confronting the Epidemic of Substance Abuse

by Dr. Jamal Madi Abut Azayem (Published by Islamset.com)

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Summary:

This article, written by an Egyptian author about experiments that have taken place in Egypt, illuminates the helpful role of the mosque as a center of substance abuse prevention and treatment.  The article begins with a history of the efforts of the prophet Mohammed toward eliminating alcoholism among the Arabs of his time and argues that the strategies he used can still be successful in addressing this issue.  In addition, this article examines the integration of clergy and mosques into drug treatment in Cairo, Egypt.  After being trained, Muslim clergy were included as part of therapeutic teams treating drug abusers.  Research demonstrated that their presence increased the number of people interested in participating in the programs.  In related research, drug treatment clinics annexed to a mosque were shown to be effective in achieving greater results compared to other clinics, despite the fact that their patients were “harder” cases of addictions.

Why does FASTEN recommend this resource?

This article illuminates the important role that the mosque can play in helping those struggling with substance abuse.  It is a helpful tool for those interested in building awareness within the Muslim community and gaining support for similar efforts within their own mosques.