Prominent cleric Ali al-Sistani wages war on Iraqi’s drug 

By Abdullahi Yusuf

Iraq’s most senior Shia cleric, Grand Ayatollah al-Sistani, issued an influential directive condemning the use and trade of drugs, urging the Iraqi population to distance themselves from traffickers. 

The directive, released on Monday, comes as Iraq grapples with an alarming rise in drug consumption and trafficking, with the country increasingly becoming a key transit route for illicit drugs entering from neighbouring Iran and Afghanistan.

In recent years, Iraq has seen a sharp increase in domestic drug use, particularly of captagon and crystal meth. Reports suggest that various militia groups have become deeply involved in the lucrative drug trade, exacerbating the crisis.

In a detailed religious directive, Ayatollah Sistani’s office responded to numerous questions from his followers, explicitly condemning the drug trade. He declared it strictly forbidden (haram) in all its forms and methods of consumption and urged the public to avoid any dealings with those involved in drug trafficking.

The Ayatollah emphasised that any money obtained through such illegal activities is impure and must not be used.

Ayatollah Sistani also called on Iraqis to report drug traffickers to the authorities, stressing that combating this growing menace is not only a legal duty but also a moral and religious obligation.

He issued a stern warning to law enforcement and judicial authorities, urging them to remain vigilant and resolute in their efforts against the drug trade, and cautioned that those who neglect their responsibilities are committing a serious sin.

He also condemned corruption within security forces, particularly those who accept bribes to overlook drug trafficking activities, equating such acts with major sins.

Al-Sistani called on parents to take all necessary measures to protect their children from the dangers of drug addiction, even if it means moving out of the family home.

He also underscored the role of cultural and religious centres, educators, and media professionals in raising awareness about the dangers of drugs, urging them to participate in the fight against this issue actively.

Furthermore, the directive highlighted the importance of rehabilitation over imprisonment for addicts and affirmed that repentance is accepted if the addict is sincere and committed to quitting

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