Substance abuse is a burgeoning crisis across South Africa, and despite religious prohibitions, the Muslim community is not immune. While often viewed as an “undercover problem,” the impact of addiction is creating deep fissures within families and overwhelming community leaders who are trying to balance religious principles with compassionate, effective support.
The struggle is intensified by a pervasive social stigma that prevents many from seeking help, leaving them to battle addiction in isolation. This hidden struggle is part of a larger national trend that has seen a dramatic increase in the use of illicit drugs over the past two decades.
A study published in the International Journal of Drug Policy highlights a staggering rise in substance use in South Africa between 2002 and 2017. Specifically, cocaine use was 88 times higher and opioid use, including heroin, saw a 161-fold increase in the same period. While these figures represent the general population, they paint a grim backdrop for all communities, including Muslims.
The drivers are complex, involving increased international drug trafficking through South Africa’s porous borders, which has made hard drugs cheaper and more accessible. This supply-side issue is met with demand fuelled by socio-economic pressures like high unemployment and poverty.
SMread: Handala Sails for Gaza, Defying Blockade
A Crisis of Faith and Stigma
Within the Muslim community, the problem is exacerbated by unique cultural and religious dynamics. Islam explicitly prohibits the use of alcohol and other intoxicants, which creates a powerful deterrent for some but a profound sense of shame and alienation for those who fall into addiction.
A qualitative study on imams’ perspectives, published in the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, reveals this tension. One imam described substance use as “an undercover problem in the Muslim community … people know it but nobody wants to acknowledge it.” This denialism fosters an environment where addiction thrives in secrecy.
The stigma is a significant barrier to recovery. Research from the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU) shows that a history of substance abuse is highly stigmatised, with many families viewing a recovering addict as an undesirable marriage partner for their children. This social pressure can force individuals and their families to hide the problem for fear of being ostracised.
While the majority of Muslims (76%) believe their community should offer more support to those struggling, a notable 20% favour a “tougher” approach. This attitude, as one imam noted, can be counterproductive: “Unfortunately, [in] a lot of religious places, the judgment is too heavy… to a point where there can never, ever be a relationship built because people would be afraid to talk to you about their shortcomings.”
This internal conflict leaves many community leaders, or imams, struggling to find the right approach. While all advocate for abstinence as the ultimate goal, their methods vary. Some adopt a compassionate, non-judgmental stance, creating a safe space for dialogue. As one imam explained, “The first thing is, let’s talk. No judgment, let’s talk… We let them know that they are not out, they are in. [We] are inclusive.”
This approach stands in stark contrast to more punitive rhetoric, which can drive individuals further away from the very community support systems they need. The hidden struggle, therefore, continues to challenge the community’s capacity for empathy and effective intervention.
The consequences of untreated addiction are severe, mirroring the national crisis. Drug abuse is linked to a rise in crime, as individuals may resort to theft to fund their habits. It deepens the cycle of poverty and places immense strain on families and social welfare systems. Furthermore, it carries grave health risks, including a higher likelihood of contracting infectious diseases like HIV through unsafe practices such as sharing needles.
Addressing this requires a multi-faceted strategy that combines law enforcement against traffickers with robust, accessible, and culturally sensitive treatment and rehabilitation programmes. For the Muslim community, this means creating an environment where the hidden struggle can be brought into the light without fear of judgment, allowing for healing and recovery to begin.
Image: The use of alcohol and other drugs is considered a “major sin”. Credit: Islam For Christians
