Many search for happiness in wealth, status, and indulgence, yet true contentment is found only in submission to Allah ﷻ. The believer follows his Lord, adhering to His commands, knowing that the Prophets were sent as a mercy to guide mankind towards what benefits them. As Allah ﷻ says:
وَأَنَّ هَذَا صِرَاطِي مُسْتَقِيمًا فَاتَّبِعُوهُ وَلَا تَتَّبِعُوا الصُّبُلَ فَتَفَرَّقَ بِكُمْ عَن سَبِيلِهِ
"And verily, this is My Straight Path, so follow it, and follow not (other) paths, for they will separate you away from His Path." (Surah Al-An'am 6:153)
When a person trusts in Allah ﷻ, surrendering to His will, peace enters their heart. Those who rely entirely on their Creator find ease in hardship and light in darkness.
The Example of Ibrahim ibn Adham and Abu Yusuf
Ibrahim ibn Adham and Abu Yusuf, two noble scholars, once sat by the ocean with only dry bread. Without any soup to soften their meal, they dipped their bread into the seawater. Despite their minimal provisions, they said:
لَوْ عَلِمَ الْمُلُوكِ وَأَبْنَاءُ الْمُلُوكِ مَا نَحْنُ فِيهِ مِنَ النَّعِيمِ وَالسُّرُورِ لَجَادَلُونَ عَلَيْهِ بِالسُّيُوفِ
"If the kings and the sons of kings knew the happiness that we are in, they would fight us for it with swords." (Ḥilyat al-awliyaa: 7/370)
This was not material wealth but the Jannah of Iman that filled their hearts. As Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah said:
إِنَّ فِي الدُّنْيَا جَنَّةً مَنْ لَمْ يَدْخُلْهَا لَمْ يَدْخُلْ جَنَّةَ الْآخِرَةِ
"Indeed, in this world, there is a Paradise. Whoever does not enter it will not enter the Paradise of the Hereafter." (Al-Waabil al-Sayyib:109)
Yet, many ignore this path, seeking joy in destructive means such as drugs, crime, and disobedience to Allah.
The False Promise of Drugs: A Trap of Regret
Young people often turn to selling drugs, believing it offers financial security and a sense of power. They assume they are clever enough to avoid consequences. Yet, how many of them end up imprisoned, betrayed by their own so-called "friends," or living in constant fear?
One brother, convinced he could handle the business, ended up behind bars. His mother, who had once pleaded with him to stop, later found relief in his imprisonment, saying:
"At least in prison, he is safer than on the streets."
How tragic is a life where a mother prefers her son behind bars rather than free but consumed by self-destruction?
The Illusion of Wealth and Security
Drug dealers may seem successful, but their reality is bleak. They live in constant fear, always looking over their shoulders, never trusting anyone. The money they chase slips through their fingers. How many so-called "big earners" from drugs have nothing to show for it?
The Prophet ﷺ said:
أَيُّمَا لَحْمٍ مِنْ سُحْتٍ، فَالنَّارُ أَوْلَى بِهِ
"Any flesh that grows from unlawful earnings, the Hellfire is more deserving of it." (Shu’ab al-Imaan 7:504)
Allah ﷻ removes barakah from every haram earning, leaving these individuals bankrupt, spiritually and materially.
Drugs: The Mother of All Sins
Islam prohibits anything that harms the mind, body, and soul. Drug use leads to violence, zina, murder, and even shirk. It is no surprise that intoxication is called "Umm al-Khaba'ith" (the mother of all evils).
When alcohol and intoxicants were forbidden, the companions of the Prophet ﷺ did not hesitate. The moment the final prohibition was revealed:
إِنَّمَا الْخَمْرُ وَالْمَيْسِرُ وَالْأَنصَابُ وَالْأَزْلَامُ رِجْسٌ مِّنْ عَمَلِ الشَّيْطَانِ فَاجْتَنِبُوهُ
"Indeed, intoxicants, gambling, [sacrificing on] stone alters, and divining arrows are but defilement from the work of Satan, so avoid it." (Surah Al-Ma'idah 5:90)
The streets of Madinah overflowed with poured-out alcohol. They did not argue or delay; they submitted immediately.
Contrast this with today—when people justify drug dealing, claiming they have no other options. The sahabah (companions) left behind entire trades and businesses for the sake of Allah. What is stopping us?
The Company You Keep Determines Your Future
Many fall into drugs due to peer pressure. Allah warns:
وَيَوْمَ يَعَضُّ الظَّالِمُ عَلَى يَدَيْهِ يَقُولُ يَا لَيْتَنِي اتَّخَذْتُ مَعَ الرَّسُولِ سَبِيلًا يَا وَيْلَتَا لَيْتَنِي لَمْ أَتَّخِذْ فُلَانًا خَلِيلًا
"And the Day the wrongdoer will bite on his hands [in regret] he will say, 'Oh, I wish I had taken with the Messenger a way! Oh, woe to me! I wish I had not taken that one as a friend!'" (Surah Al-Furqan 25:27-28)
Friendships shape destinies. A good friend will push you toward righteousness, while a bad one will drag you into ruin. As the saying goes:
الطُّيُورُ عَلَى أَشْكَالِهَا تَقَعُ
"Birds of a feather flock together."
A drug dealer’s "brothers" are not brothers at all—they are competitors, rivals, and potential informants. There is no trust, no true loyalty.
Repentance: The Only Way Out
If you have been involved in drug dealing or any sin, know that Allah ﷻ is always ready to forgive:
إِلَّا مَنْ تَابَ وَآمَنَ وَعَمِلَ عَمَلًا صَالِحًا فَأُوْلَئِكَ يُبَدِّلُ اللَّهُ سَيِّئَاتِهِمْ حَسَنَاتٍ وَكَانَ اللَّهُ غَفُورًا رَحِيمًا
"Except for those who repent, believe, and do righteous work. For them Allah will replace their evil deeds with good. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful." (Surah Al-Furqan 25:70)
Repent today, before it is too late. Return to Allah and seek a halal livelihood. Remember, every haram penny earned will be questioned on the Day of Judgment.
Final Thoughts
Allah ﷻ has given us clear guidance. Happiness is not in wealth, drugs, or power—it is in faith and obedience. Choose the path of submission, surround yourself with righteous companions, and leave behind anything that distances you from Allah.
Do not wait until regret overwhelms you. Seek forgiveness, and embrace the life that Allah ﷻ has decreed for you—one of purity, peace, and ultimate success in this world and the next.
Take the First Step Towards a Better Life
If you or someone you know is struggling to break free from the destructive cycle of addiction, know that change is possible. True success and inner peace begin with the right knowledge and the right company.
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