Health & wellbeingFrom the masjid's own video, Sep 11, 2026.
Protect the mind from addiction
“It's a gift from Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala and we are also told not only to use that gift but also to protect that gift.”
In one sentence
Muslims should protect the God-given intellect by avoiding intoxicants and building compassionate, proactive support for youth and people struggling with addiction.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Frames intelligence and cognition as gifts from Allah that must be used and protected.
- Applies the Quran’s intoxicants passage, acknowledging possible benefits but emphasizing that harms and sin outweigh them.
- Describes addiction, mental-health risks, cancer risks, fetal alcohol syndrome, and alcohol’s wider social harms.
- Warns young people about college peer pressure and urges them to be careful about their company.
- Calls parents to have persuasive, nonjudgmental conversations and create safe homes before children encounter drugs or alcohol.
- Calls the community to support struggling people with mercy, then closes with supplication and a program announcement.
Try this week
Parents should discuss alcohol, marijuana, and drugs with their children before college, using persuasive language they understand.
Parents should create homes where children can express anxiety or struggles without fear of rage or anger.
Young people should make their Muslim identity and values visible and carefully choose their friends and surroundings.
Community members should support people struggling with addiction instead of mocking, judging, or gossiping about them.
The community should provide struggling people with available resources and stand beside them.
Sources the khateeb cited
Quran 2:219Used to argue that intoxicants may have benefits, but their sin and harm are greater.
Jami` at-TirmidhiUsed to warn against manufacturing, selling, serving, buying, transporting, drinking, or profiting from intoxicants.
Quotes
In the khateeb's words
“intelligence, cognition, ability to recognize, ability to comprehend, ability to reflect it's a gift from Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala and we are also told not only to use that gift but also to protect that gift”
“you're having this conversation because you want to enlighten them and you want to empower them”
“every kid who is struggling with that is my kid and your kid so let us help them let us stand beside them”
“you have to create your home safe sanctuaries where your kids can come even if they are struggling even if they are anxious they can come”
Keep listening
More on Health & wellbeing
If a brother comes to us and admits that they have a gambling problem, do not look down upon them or cast them out.31:21Brand Lane Islamic Center · Stafford, TX · Jul 18, 2026Gambling apps can destroy Muslim families
Seeking a therapist, a psychiatrist, a counselor, or a crisis service doesn't contradict tawakkul.4:19Masjid Subhan · Scarborough, ON · Oct 3, 2026Protect life with hope and support
If we don't take care of ourselves, we're not going to be able to take care of others.19:43The Rayyan Center · Plymouth, MI · Aug 28, 2026Caring for yourself strengthens worship