FACT SHEET Hindusim •
The laws of Manu are a book of rules for Hindus said to be given to mankind by Brahma (via his son Manu).
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This book gives Hindus rules which if followed help them achieve spiritual merit (good karma).
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In them Hindus are advised that intoxicants and dependence upon them must be overcome by will power.
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Despite this, there is a Hindu myth that Shiva brought down marijuana from the Himalayas for the enlightenment of mankind.
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Many Hindu holy men in India (Sadhus) live ascetic lives giving up all their possessions and leading lives dedicated to achieving enlightenment. This can involve smoking marijuana.
Christianity •
Most Christian churches believe that to abuse the body and the mind with drugs is wrong. However, as well as condemning drug abuse, churches would agree that many drug addicts and people with drug-related problems need care and help. Also, the question 'Why do some people in our society resort to drugs?' needs to be seriously considered.
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Christians are encouraged to be filled with the Holy Spirit (The Bible, Ephesians chapter 5 verse 18). If God is to be in control of the Christian's thoughts, is this consistent with using any drug which affects the mind? Drugs affect the mind in different ways slowing it down, speeding it up or distorting it. It is important to be clear-minded and self-controlled. Christians in the Methodist Church have formulated a statement which summarises the Christian attitude to drugs, alcohol and tobacco.
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'The Christian's faith teaches him to use all things, including his money, responsibly.”
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Anything that can have a negative impact on a family or community is frowned upon.
Buddhism •
According to the fifth precept of the Pancasila, Buddhists should refrain from any quantity of intoxicants which would prevent mindfulness or cause heedlessness.[2]
Judaism •
Judaism maintains that people do not own their bodies - they belong to God. As a result, Jews are not permitted to harm, mutilate, destroy or take risks with their bodies, life or health with activities such as taking life-threatening drugs. However, there is no general prohibition against drugs in Judaism, as long as they don't interfere with one's ritual duties and don't cause definite harm, though most Rabbis generally prohibit drugs, in order to avoid social, legal and medical problems in their community.
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Islam prohibits the consumption of alcohol and by extension other drugs of similar or greater strength. It also disapproves of tobacco use, although not all deem it prohibited. In some Islamic countries, alcohol is prohibited; and sometimes possession, manufacture, or trade is punished with severe penalties (e.g., corporal or capital punishment).
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From the Islamic point of view, the most important aspect determining the illicitness of recreational drugs is whether or not it is of any harm.
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"And make not your own hands contribute to your destruction." Surah, Al-Baqara, 2: 195 Drugs with the potential to lead to intoxication or other significantly altered states of consciousness (such as alcohol, Cannabis, opium and its derivatives, cocaine, psychedelics and so on) are prohibited. However, khat leaves are often chewed or consumed in some Arabic countries (particularly in Yemen). Khat contains the alkaloid called cathinone, an amphetamine-like stimulant.
Islam