Islam & drug policy — A webinar
When? Thursday, 30 Apr 2026 / 11:00am - 12:00pm [CEST]
Mercy and compassion are foundational principles of Islam, guiding ethical conduct, social responsibility and governance. Islamic jurisprudence consistently emphasizes the preservation of life, human dignity and communal responsibility for the well-being of individuals.
This webinar proposes an exploration of contemporary drug policies through the ethical and jurisprudential lens of Islam, with a central question: Are current drug policies consistent with Islamic principles of mercy, justice and the preservation of life?
Globally, punitive approaches associated with the “war on drugs” continue to dominate drug control frameworks. These approaches prioritize criminalization and punishment over health, care and social support, often resulting in incarceration, stigma and exclusion for people who use drugs. In some contexts, drug-related offences – including low-level trafficking and courier roles – remain punishable by death, disproportionately affecting individuals from economically marginalized backgrounds.
Such outcomes raise critical ethical concerns when examined against Islamic teachings that emphasize compassion, proportionality and the safeguarding of life.
Islamic concepts such as collective social responsibility underscore the obligation of communities and states to care for individuals who are vulnerable or have erred, rather than subjecting them to isolation, punishment and social exclusion. Yet, many existing drug policies contribute to stigma, discrimination and alienation, undermining both public health objectives and social cohesion.
Purpose of the webinar
This webinar aims to contribute to ongoing global drug policy discussions by presenting Islamic ethical perspectives that support humane, public health-oriented and rights-based approaches to drug policy, including harm reduction. It will highlight how Islamic teachings can be aligned with evidence-based interventions that prioritize health, dignity and social reintegration.
Country perspectives
The session will draw on experiences from selected Muslim-majority countries that are engaging – formally or informally – with more compassionate approaches to drug policy reform.
Organizers: International Drug Policy Consortium (IDPC), Malaysia AIDS Foundation, Justice Project Pakistan, Middle East and North Africa Harm Reduction Association (MENAHRA) and IAS – the International AIDS Society.
Facilitator:
Palani Narayanan, Drug Policy Programme Malaysia (DPPM), Malaysia AIDS Foundation, Malaysia
Speakers:
- Adeeba Kamarulzaman, Commissioner, Global Commission on Drug Policy, Malaysia
- Sarah Belal, Executive Director, Justice Project Pakistan, Pakistan
- Representative from Morocco (TBC)
For more information, please contact harmreduction[@]iasociety.org