Liz, a drug addict, describes the behaviour of other addicts; ''At a rave party, I saw a guy who had stuffed himself with ecstasy and repeated for hours; 'I am an orange, don't peel me, I am an orange, don't peel me.' Another guy thought he was a fly and wouldn't stop hitting his head against a window.'' Jean describes the side effects; ''When you take ecstasy every night, you feel cold. Your kidneys hurt, your legs hurt. You chew your lips and fingers until they bleed.''

This is the effect that drugs have upon the mind, yet despite this and the well established links that drugs have to crime and violence, we are now witnessing a problem that has reached epidemic proportions. According to a report by BBC News, drug use is thought to have risen by 30% in the last five years. However, this increase is not specific to just the poorer sectors of society, but affects every sector from the unemployed to the high-flying city workers; from the layman to the judges and politicians.
So why are capitalist societies, from America to Australia, experiencing these problems and why are they unable to deal with them?

From one ''high'' to the next

One thing that characterises all capitalist societies is a life of excess. People go to excesses in satisfying every sensual urge, as this behaviour is not just restricted to the use of narcotic substances. Talk-show programmes are inundated with cases of people who are so obese that they are unable to move. In January 2002 a report appeared highlighting the health dangers associated with obesity. It stated that more than a million British children under the age of 16 are obese, and for the first time in history, more than half of all adults in the UK are officially overweight. People are simply going to excesses in their eating habits; they eat high calorie ''junk'' food and over-processed convenience foods simply for the good artificial taste, even though in the majority of cases they have a complex regarding their burgeoning weight problem.


What we are witnessing is the manifestation of a mentality of instant gratification, encapsulated by the famous Latin phrase, ''Carpe Diem'', which roughly translates to ''enjoy the present day''. People do not worry about such minor details as the future, or the consequences of their actions. They want instant sensual satisfaction, and they want as much of it as possible. From this point of view the amount of pleasure that a drug will provide by intoxicating the mind and temporarily making people see pleasing images and enjoy a feeling of ''ecstasy'' is enough motivation to take it. The potential side effects, the long term problems or the cost to society do not even figure in the decision making process; the only thing that counts is instant sensual gratification. This mentality is shared by everyone, from the stereotypical unemployed black youth living in a run down housing estate, to the white collar city analyst; this is the basic motivation for action.

This basic motivation corrupts people since life becomes a constant pursuit of pleasure, moving from one sensual ''high'' to another. This mentality makes people a slave to their desires; especially since the same dosage to achieve the last ''high'' is not enough to achieve it again. People are then forced to increase the dosage in their unquenchable thirst for sensual gratification. This is what traps the casual drug abuser and makes him a junkie, eventually forcing him to take ever increasingly dangerous drugs. So he moves from 'soft' drugs to 'hard'; and from 'hard' drugs to dangerously high dosages.

Escapism

The capitalist mindset, dominated by the constant yearning for sensual satisfaction is not one compatible with dealing with problems. This is because problems are the opposite of sensual pleasure; problems lead to displeasure.

Paradoxically, many of the problems that people face are created by the capitalist system. For example, the free availability of credit which the banks have promoted leads many to overspend and go into debt; in fact, on average, every person in Britain is in debt to the approximate tune of 2500 pounds. Another example is the growing number of single parent families created as a result of the concept of sexual freedom, which not only leads to unwanted pregnancies, but also leads to a failure to commit to a long term relationship because one or both partners are ''playing the field''. This concept coupled with the encouragement of promiscuity by the mass media and society in general is creating serious problems for people in Britain; for example the 2001 Census shows that 1 in 4 families consists of a lone parent, while there are approximately 87,000 teenage pregnancies every year.

These and other problems which people face, such as debt, poverty and stress at work wear them down; these problems run counter to the capitalist ethos of ''Carpe Diem''. For many, they cannot see a way out of their problem; for others they are simply too weak-minded to be able to face such problems. So to deal with this problem drugs are seen as a convenient release; drugs allow one to escape from reality and artificially feel happy. However, when the temporary feeling subsides, they come back to reality only to find that none of these problems have gone away. So the need to escape from these problems remains and hence one is caught in a vicious circle.

What is evident from this is that the capitalist goal of maximising pleasure and minimising pain does not only create misery, but it also creates a mentality that is not capable of viewing life correctly and dealing with problems. It creates a weak mentality that is looking for the easiest way out, even if that is in the guise of a drug that temporarily takes the mind away from the reality.

The Problem

It is clear that drugs are a cancer within society. In the west, the problem continues to spiral out of control as anti-drugs campaigners and politicians run out of ideas. Drug abuse threatens the youth by stifling their future prospects. It also destroys families, as the main priority of addicts becomes getting 'one more hit.' The wider society is exposed to crime as desperate addicts steal goods to fuel their habit. Perhaps most worrying of all is that powerful gangs are prepared to turn otherwise quiet streets into battlefields for their ego driven turf wars.

Left unchallenged this is a problem that will consume society. Whilst the problem is clear to all, many within the west have misunderstood its root cause. Instead western solutions tend only to focus on symptoms of the problem and not on the root cause itself. Consequently anti-drugs campaigners, organisations and politicians have all witnessed nothing but failure in their approach since the sixties. Before considering how best to solve this problem, it is imperative that Muslims first understand its cause from a deep and enlightened perspective.

Incorrect causes and solutions

Western academics have debated the drugs problem ad nauseam. By viewing the problem from within the ideological framework of the capitalist ideology much of their thinking has been blinkered. The limitations of this framework make it inherently unable to address the nature of man, or his problems. There are several common misconceptions behind the capitalists understanding of the drugs crisis which are worth briefly examining.

1. Drugs abuse is a result of poverty and social deprivation. Such a view relies on a fiscal understanding to man's problems. Advocates would suggest that drug users have experienced social exclusion through a lack of qualifications, training and opportunities. Consequently, they have been driven into a life of drugs and crime to overcome such problems. However this view is problematic for two reasons. The first is that Afghanistan is one of the world's chief exporters of heroin. It's also amongst the poorest nations on earth. Yet, drug use in these countries and amongst their impoverished Afghani cultivators is negligible compared to the west. In addition such a view fails to account for extensive drug taking amongst city professionals and rich socialites.

2. Legalising drugs will solve the problem. Proponents argue that the legalisation of drugs will remove the criminal aspect and therefore the 'glamour' associated with them. Additionally, by legalising drugs the government will be able to guarantee the purity of drug supplies whilst taxing users, much like they do with alcohol and tobacco. However, the long-term effects of certain drugs such as ecstasy and its active ingredient MDMA remain unknown making it almost impossible for the government to supply a 'pure' substance. Even if it was legalised over 20% of underage children are estimated to be abusing alcohol showing clearly that legalisation fails to protect the young and brings with it, its own problems. Finally, an intellectual consideration of this argument reveals that it represents a defeat for legislators; because drug laws are problematic to enforce and because abuse is so high then by legalising them the problem is solved. Therefore by extending this argument to its logical conclusion crimes such as car and mobile theft should also be legalised.

3. Educate people about the perils of drugs. The problem with the current anti-drugs message is that is relies on scare tactics. By educating people against the dangers of drugs campaigners are hoping to paint a picture in which the dangers outweigh the benefit. The argument is easily overcome if the 'fun' can be seen to outweigh the risk. Ecstasy users will often cite that it is statistically safer to take an 'E' that it is to fly and that you have a greater chance of being hit by lightening than you do of dying from taking ecstasy. Therefore the risks would appear to be low compared to the euphoric feeling of being high. The education message would therefore seem to rest on a weak and susceptible base.

4. Build social clubs for the youth to occupy their time. This view is highly naïve as it assumes drug takers simply abuse substances because they are bored. Drug users take drugs in order to experience its effects and will not be deterred by a badminton tournament in their local youth club. Even top athletes who train their bodies and have hectic schedules are known to abuse performance enhancing drugs. Scores of professionals and students, all with busy schedules, abuse drugs. Drug taking is borne by the concepts an individual holds and not by the amount of free time they have.

The root cause - Freedom

Freedom is a central tenet of the capitalist doctrine. It represents the pinnacle of the western civilisation and is amongst their primary articles of faith. We are told that man is free and has personal freedoms to do as he pleases, provided that he does not cause harm or distress to others. This concept of personal freedom is a powerful one. It is obvious that no society practises absolute freedom. Clearly there must be a limit and constraints beyond which people cannot stray. Herein lies the problem with this concept.

Although commentators have attempted to explain the drugs epidemic through a socio-economic perspective their conclusions have failed to provide a comprehensive understanding. The basis of the failure to explain it from this perspective lies in the fact that this problem is essentially a human problem. Any solution to the crisis must therefore address the individual, his concepts and his desires. It is natural that the concepts held by a particular individual will determine his response to his desires. It is clear then that the real basis of this problem lies in the concept of personal freedom, which many in the west hold.

Despite being illegal drug taking continues to rise. It is widely legitimised through popular youth culture and glamorised in the media. Conventional attempts to stem the rising tide of drug abuse have all failed because they have not addressed this issue from its basis. Therefore many of these attempts have merely dealt with symptoms of the cause and not with the cause itself. The rising number of drug addicts is hardly surprising then.

Freedom in itself is a particularly troublesome concept. It is clear that absolute freedom cannot exist and that there must be limits imposed. The question must then be asked, what is the correct basis for deciding how much freedom we should have? Many drug users when breaking the law merely refuse to accept the authority of the legislators. It has been argued that the establishment's view on drugs is dated and irrelevant. Some would suggest that 'how could you ban it without trying it first? A spliff does less damage than a pint.' This is significant because when one man legislates for another why should the first accept the constraints imposed on him by the other? What attributes elevates and distinguishes him in his decisions over others? It illustrates the problematic nature of accepting one mans authority and ability to legislate for another. Consequently they choose to openly flaunt such laws and exert their freedom.

This alone does not account for spiralling drug abuse figures. Freedom is not just a troublesome concept when considered on a societal level. It is also highly problematic for the individual himself. Making himself the chief arbitrator in deciding good and bad the individual is able to move the benchmark to suit his own circumstances. Consider that very few, if any, drug users start on hard drugs. Initially they start on soft drugs such as cannabis before working their way onto harder drugs. Clearly, this is not a conscious decision or intention of the user at the start. The limits of acceptability change for some drug users, whilst not for others depending on their personal experiences and preferences. It has subsequently been argued that cannabis is a gateway drug.

Therefore the root cause of the drugs crisis within the west must be viewed from this perspective. The problem must be understood as a human problem, the cause of which lies with the concepts and individual holds. With freedom remaining a central tenet of the capitalist doctrine, the capitalist mindset will never be able to resolve the problem of drugs. Its limited socio-economic framework prevents it from addressing mans problems in a comprehensive manner. Whilst not being able to address the problem, the central pillar of capitalist thought - freedom - continues to encourage people to take drugs in the first place. It becomes clear that capitalist societies will not only create this problem as an inherent attribute of the system but also that the system will then be inherently unable to respond to the problem that it helped foster in the first place.

Islam and the drugs crisis

Enforcing drugs laws in the west represents a massive problem. Despite their illegality scores of people make a blatant and conscious decision to flaunt the law in pursuit of their own happiness. It is clearly because they believe they have the freedom to decide for themselves how to live their lives and because they fail to accept the authority of human legislators to curb their freedom. This was perhaps best illustrated during America's prohibition. National prohibition of alcohol (1920-33) - the 'noble' experiment - was undertaken with a view to reducing crime, corruption, social problems and improving health conditions. Hence congress ratified the eighteenth amendment outlawing the 'importing, exporting, transporting, selling and manufacturing' of all intoxicating liquors. It was a resounding failure on all counts.

Thousand of bootleggers sprung up, illegally importing it from Canada, stealing it from government warehouses and producing it themselves. 'Speak easies' quickly replaced traditional saloons and by 1925 there were well over 100,000 established in New York alone. Much of the illegal bootlegging trade fell under the control of organised criminal gangs who established close ties with the authorities. Most secured their status by bribing police, federal authorities and members of congress. Remarkably, during the years of prohibition the level of alcoholism within America rose, as did its availability. This is hardly surprising given that prior to prohibition there were only 400 licensed breweries. However, after seven years of prohibition there was an amazing 93,831 in business. The very authorities charged with enforcing the stringent prohibition laws were themselves regular customers at some of the most notorious moonshines.

The limited view of American legislators led them to incorrectly believe that a mere ban on alcohol would overcome the problem and its associated ills. However, what the prohibition laws failed to address was the concepts held by individuals making it a resounding failure. Not only did the rate of alcoholism rise but so did crime and criminality. The murder rate rose by 78% in major urban areas whilst the rate of serious crime such as assault and battery rose by 13%. Unbelievably, the overall rate of criminality across America rose by an amazing 561% during prohibition. Clearly prohibition failed to achieve its goals. Instead it exasperated the very problems it was intended to solve. The ban was finally lifted in 1933 as authorities finally conceded that it had become unworkable.

Yet this was not the first time that a society had prohibited alcohol. An earlier prohibition had take place, some 1300 years before America's 'noble experiment.' Many people within the Arabian societies loved to drink. Indeed, during the Makkan stages of the revelation even some of the Sahabah enjoyed it. For many it was an integral part of social life. However as the Sahabah sought clarification from Rasool Allah (salAllahu alaihi wasallam) regarding alcohol Allah (subhanahu wa ta'aala) eventually sent Gibreel (as) with the revelation of the ayah,


''O you who believe! Intoxicants (all kinds of alcoholic drinks), gambling, (arrows for seeking luck or decision) are an abomination of Shaitan's (Satan) handiwork. So avoid (strictly all) that (abomination) in order that you may be successful.'' [ Al-Ma'idah:90]

The revelation of this ayah had an immediate and profound effect on society. Upon hearing it the Sahabah immediately destroyed the casks, which had previously stored it. It has been reported that some Sahabah who had just consumed it forced themselves to be sick thereby expelling from their systems. Anas ibn Malik (ra) narrated that the streets of Madinah smelled of it for days. Some of the noble companions had even been addicted to alcohol, yet they had no problem in giving up the intoxicant with immediate effect.

However, on the face of it there is little difference between this prohibition for Muslims and the prohibition enacted in America by congress. The fundamental difference between the two lies in a profound understanding of exactly who has the right to limit man's freedoms. Whilst no man can legislate for another, the creator of man clearly can. Building an intellectual belief amongst the Sahabah, Rasool Allah (salAllahu alaihi wasallam) was therefore able to establish a definitive basis for action. By rationally coming to the belief and understanding in Allah (subhanahu wa ta'aala) the Sahabah were then led to the rational belief in the Prophethood of Muhammed (salAllahu alaihi wasallam) and the revelation. Allah (subhanahu wa ta'aala) answered mans greatest problem by addressing his concepts and giving him purpose in life. Allah (subhanahu wa ta'aala) informs us in the Qur'an

''I have only created Jinn and men, that they may worship me.'' [ Az-Zariyat: 56]

Hence the Muslims had no problem with giving up alcohol because of the understanding that what proceeds this life is accountability before Allah (subhanahu wa ta'aala). They understood whilst Allah (subhanahu wa ta'aala) will reward the obedient, He(swt) will punish those who were not. Just like the citizens of 1920's America, some of the Sahabah were addicted to alcohol and liked its effects. However, their response to prohibition was in stark contrast to the reaction it received in America. They failed to accept the wisdom behind congresses decision for banning alcohol and rejected its decision to limit their freedom in this way. On the other hand, the Sahabah surrendered unconditionally to the wisdom of Allah (subhanahu wa ta'aala) and never once questioned His I ability to legislate for them. Allah (subhanahu wa ta'aala) instructs the believers,

''It may be that you hate something and it is good for you and it may be that you like something and it is bad for you, Allah knows and you do not know'' [ Al-Baqarah: 216].

And

''It is not for a believer, man or woman, when Allah and His Messenger have decreed a matter that they should have any option in their decision. And whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger, he has indeed strayed in a plain error.'' [ Al-Ahzab:36]


This makes it clear that Muslims do not believe idealistically in the concept of freedom. Rather, Muslims believe in the complete opposite. Whilst the west believes in freedom, Muslims believe in slavery to the will of Allah (subhanahu wa ta'aala). Abu Hurairah reported that the prophet (salAllahu alaihi wasallam) said,

''This world is a prison for the believers and a paradise for the disbelievers.'' [Muslim, 7058]

Conclusion

The tapestry of the capitalist doctrine is bound together by its central tenets of secularism and freedom, where sovereignty lies ultimately with the individual. Hence, it is hardly surprising that there is a massive drugs crisis plaguing the west. Individuals have little regard for the temporal laws of their society as they fail to recognise its authority over them. The relativist nature of freedom then makes it a highly subjective concept varying greatly from one person to the next. Given that this concept is a central pillar of thought in the west, the consequences are inevitable. The current drugs crisis is therefore an inherent product of the system itself. The system fails to find equilibrium by undermining itself whilst failing to offer solutions, which address the root cause. Hence, not only drug taking is on the rise but so too is drug related crime and gangland violence.

Allah (subhanahu wa ta'aala) has given man the powerful faculty of mind and has provoked him to consider his relationship with what came before this life and with what will come after it. By doing so, belief in Islam is arrived at through rational proofs and intellectual reasoning. Hence it is built upon the Islamic Aqeedah, which solely recognises the sovereignty of Allah (subhanahu wa ta'aala). It is from this certain and absolute basis that Muslims must shape their outlook on life. Consequently no Muslim can believe in the western freedom myth.

It is only by addressing mans nature from a conceptual basis that the current tide of drugs in society can be stemmed. Without going to the root of the problem, which lies within the concept of freedom itself, the depressing rise of drugs will never be reversed. Muslims must present these ideas to those around them in an intellectual fashion whilst presenting Islam as the only viable ideological alternative. In doing so, we must illustrate how only Islam is able to address mans nature in a comprehensive fashion and how only its application will provide tranquillity. The capitalist mindset can never answer the drugs question, as it would involve renegading on their own articles of faith.

Whilst the west continues to propagate the ridiculous notion of freedom the paradox will continue where the UK has the harshest anti-drug laws in Europe whilst maintaining the highest consumption rates of both soft and hard drugs. Despite how widespread this problem becomes, Muslims must continue to adhere solely to the Islamic ideology and reject western concepts.

Allah (subhanahu wa ta'aala) says,

''Say: 'Not equal are Al-Khabith [all that is evil and bad] and At-Tayyib [all that is good], even though the abundance of Al-Khabith may please you.' So fear Allah, O men of understanding in order that you may be successful'' [ Al-Ma'idah: 100]