[beckercpa]

Salam brothers and sisters. I have something that I want elaborated because there could be a misunderstanding about what we Muslims consider halal and haraam in the subject of drugs. Such is the case with caffeine and codeine.

Sure, certain drugs are outright haraam (ecstasy, morphine, cocaine, meth) because no good can come from it and some of them cause one to lose control of their actions and do haraam deeds. This is why these drugs are considered haraam. However, there are some drugs that I think we need to discuss. I'll only choose one to start with....DMT (dimethyltryptamine). Before we delve into the legitimacy of this drug, let us realize a couple of facts.

DMT is the most powerful hallucinogenic (a type of psychoactive) drug known to man. It causes no physical or mental harm whatsoever and it is non-addictive. The reason for this is the simple fact that our brains produce it EVERY NIGHT when one goes to sleep. In fact, the dreams you have every night (whether you remember them or not) is a result of the DMT-trip dying out. So, every night, you trip out on DMT. It is also found in plants and animals. Benefits are more on the intellectual side. After their trip, people end up having a much deeper understanding of life and sometimes aspects of science and mathematics.

With this in mind, is DMT harram and if yes/no, why? I'm open to opinions and thoughts on this matter.

[ffflyer]

Salam brothers and sisters. I have something that I want elaborated because there could be a misunderstanding about what we Muslims consider halal and haraam in the subject of drugs. Such is the case with caffeine and codeine.

Sure, certain drugs are outright haraam (ecstasy, morphine, cocaine, meth) because no good can come from it and some of them cause one to lose control of their actions and do haraam deeds. This is why these drugs are considered haraam. However, there are some drugs that I think we need to discuss. I'll only choose one to start with....DMT (dimethyltriptamine). Before we delve into the legitimacy of this drug, let us realize a couple of facts.

DMT is the most powerful hallucinogenic (a type of psychoactive) drug known to man. It causes no physical or mental harm whatsoever and it is non-addictive. The reason for this is the simple fact that our brains produce it EVERY NIGHT when one goes to sleep. In fact, the dreams you have every night (whether you remember them or not) is a result of the DMT-trip dying out. So, every night, you trip out on DMT. It is also found in plants and animals. Benefits are more on the intellectual side. After their trip, people end up having a much deeper understanding of life and sometimes aspects of science and mathematics.

With this in mind, is DMT harram and if yes/no, why? I'm open to opinions and thoughts on this matter.

Kindly first present scientific literature to back your claim that DMT causes no physical or mental harm and is non-addictive in the form of double blinded, scientific trials. Secondly kindly mention the source from where DMT is available for the common Muslim. Thirdly consider the fact that it is hallucinogenic and powerfully too. A Hallucination means to see something that does not exist. Do you really think that a person who is hallucinating is free from the risk of physical/mental harm? Why, even those around him are at risk from a hallucinating person. The Muslims are trying to get rid of tobacco brother and you are dragging in DMT.

[beckercpa]

Kindly first present scientific literature to back your claim that DMT causes no physical or mental harm and is non-addictive in the form of double blinded, scientific trials.

The very fact that it is produced and consumed by the human brain every time one sleeps for long periods of time is enough evidence. However, a simple google search for DMT (dimethyltriptamine) and Wikipedia can provide sufficient info on this chemical.

Secondly kindly mention the source from where DMT is available for the common Muslim.

Well, I don't want to end up telling everyone where to get it but other than extracting it from the brain of animals and humans (no don't do that), there are a wide variety of plants that have DMT in them. A simple google search will suffice as well but if you must know Mimosa hostilis, Diplopterys cabrerana, Psychotria viridis, and the ayahusca plant. It is also said that some species of grass can also yield small amounts of DMT.

Thirdly consider the fact that it is hallucinogenic and powerfully too. A Hallucination means to see something that does not exist. Do you really think that a person who is hallucinating is free from the risk of physical/mental harm?

A hallucinogenic DOES NOT cause hallucinations. Another google/wiki search into the term will prove just that. Hallucinations, strictly speaking, are perceptions that have no basis in reality, but that appear entirely realistic. A typical "hallucination" induced by a psychedelic drug is more accurately described as a modification of regular perception, and the subject is usually quite aware of the illusory and personal nature of their perceptions. I know of this personally because I've been able to induce these myself without the aid of drugs through focus, meditation, and trance....however, they're no where near as powerful.

Leading to the second part of this argument: Since it does not cause hallucinations and simply a change in perception, one is fully aware of their actions and words. Therefore, one isn't drunk or devoid of logic.

Why, even those around him are at risk from a hallucinating person. The Muslims are trying to get rid of tobacco brother and you are dragging in DMT.

As stated before, a hallucinogen does not cause hallucinations. One still is in tune with reality and what is going on and is able to make appropriate decisions. Tobacco is something that causes diseases in the gums and lungs. DMT causes no such thing and as stated before, is produced in the human brain EVERY NIGHT. Therefore, it is not harmful and non-addicting.

[ffflyer]

The very fact that it is produced and consumed by the human brain every time one sleeps for long periods of time is enough evidence. However, a simple google search for DMT (dimethyltriptamine) and Wikipedia can provide sufficient info on this chemical.



Well, I don't want to end up telling everyone where to get it but other than extracting it from the brain of animals and humans (no don't do that), there are a wide variety of plants that have DMT in them. A simple google search will suffice as well but if you must know Mimosa hostilis, Diplopterys cabrerana, Psychotria viridis, and the ayahusca plant. It is also said that some species of grass can also yield small amounts of DMT.



A hallucinogenic DOES NOT cause hallucinations. Another google/wiki search into the term will prove just that. Hallucinations, strictly speaking, are perceptions that have no basis in reality, but that appear entirely realistic. A typical "hallucination" induced by a psychedelic drug is more accurately described as a modification of regular perception, and the subject is usually quite aware of the illusory and personal nature of their perceptions. I know of this personally because I've been able to induce these myself without the aid of drugs through focus, meditation, and trance....however, they're no where near as powerful.

Leading to the second part of this argument: Since it does not cause hallucinations and simply a change in perception, one is fully aware of their actions and words. Therefore, one isn't drunk or devoid of logic.



As stated before, a hallucinogen does not cause hallucinations. One still is in tune with reality and what is going on and is able to make appropriate decisions. Tobacco is something that causes diseases in the gums and lungs. DMT causes no such thing and as stated before, is produced in the human brain EVERY NIGHT. Therefore, it is not harmful and non-addicting.

Salaam-e-masnoon brother.
Please wait for a detailed post on this topic sometime tomorrow.(My time zone is Bombay)
Wasalaam.

[beckercpa]

No problem. Please don't misunderstand me and take this as some sort of argument. I'm doing some scientific research and I've search the net for answers in this issue. While some scholars state that anything that causes harm to the human body (and mind) is haraam, DMT displays nothing of this nature. Some scholars say that anything that influences the psyche (befogs the mind, stimulates, etc.) is haraam...in which case caffeine should be considered haraam. According to my research, caffeine (coffee specifically) WAS considered haraam in Mecca by the Ulema' in 1511 until the mid 16th century. I just wanted to shed some light into this issue. I only provided facts so that ruling can be accurately made....thanks brother. I look forward to your reply.

[ffflyer]

No problem. Please don't misunderstand me and take this as some sort of argument. I'm doing some scientific research and I've search the net for answers in this issue. While some scholars state that anything that causes harm to the human body (and mind) is haraam, DMT displays nothing of this nature. Some scholars say that anything that influences the psyche (befogs the mind, stimulates, etc.) is haraam...in which case caffeine should be considered haraam. According to my research, caffeine (coffee specifically) WAS considered haraam in Mecca by the Ulema' in 1511 until the mid 16th century. I just wanted to shed some light into this issue. I only provided facts so that ruling can be accurately made....thanks brother. I look forward to your reply.

No, no. Its not about arguing. Its just that I am a medical doctor and this is a very interesting topic for me too. But I have been seeing patients throughout the day and it is past 2 in the night here. My brain is mush. Thats why I'll leave the details till tomorrow.

[beckercpa]

That is interesting to know. I'm glad we both stand on common grounds. Understand that even if (for recreational purposes) this drug turns out to be haraam, it has a potential for halal uses. I can safely refer to the Ashab Al-Kahf (The People of the Cave) who slept for 300 +-9 years. Obviously, their brains must've been overflowing with DMT dosages.

Maybe with more DMT research in an Islamic perspective can help us discover a way for hypersleep or an advanced learning process. Some scientific research states that there is a possibility that DMT is in effect when we're awake! That's too amazing for me to believe. Regardless, I'm very excited about this. If anything, you should also look into psilocybin and psilocin. These two chemicals are found in psilocybin mushrooms (aka. magic mushrooms, shrooms) and they're almost identical to DMT with less powerful but more controllable effects. I've had friends who've taken these mushrooms who were previously devoted athiests turn to believe in the existence of God after their experience.

[amannddo]

Salam Alaikum,
Yes this question intrigues many doctors and scientists like ourselves who have had the opportunity of exposure to the technical side (biochemical/evolutionary) as well as the spiritual side (deen and seeking to strengthen it with any knowledge including things that may not be entirely apparent in mainstay Islam or even contemporary times globally) and leads us to ask of our muslim scholar counter-parts simple yet profound philosophical questions. To that end its important that they answer our questions with decisions arising from as highly informed a perspective as we (scientists) can give them.

I think the issue stems from, beyond the technical details of DMT and other similar psychotropic substances that open powerful and enigmatic doors, the relation to the Prophet (saw) and the way he lived his own life. The question I'm trying to figure out has to do with sunnat, and the necessity of a muslim to follow the sunnat as close as possible in order to achieve any enlightenment of knowledge in this world and its rewards after. Are any gains through a DMT experience merely misleading? Can evident truths only be unlocked by following the sunnat as closely as possible? Biologically we have the capacity to undergo these experiences endogenously, which is a major a step in understanding how all-inclusive our bodies are, but what of taking these exogenous shortcuts?

I want to know how closely a substance, or any modern innovation in scientific discovery can be deemed as haram if we stumble upon them after the times of the Prophet. What are the processes and questions that will arise in a Fatwa ruling on this and similar compounds? I think that increasingly young muslims are asking these questions and it is imperative that our Ummah takes a serious and penetrating point-of-research on this matter.
So far I'm trying to take the stance of patience, and allowing myself to ponder these questions in as clear-headed a brain as possible (save for caffeine) and hoping for the answer to this and many other questions in the hereafter. I hope these questions reach brothers and sisters who truly understand this issue (as being far different from smoking cigarettes or drinking) and the intentions behind them. May Allah help me and brothers like me to remain resolved on the path to purity.

[beckercpa]

I know this thread has existed for quite some time but I just wanted to revive it by saying the following:
For researchers out there: There is a book and video documentary on this subject called "DMT: The Spirit Molecule". The book was written by Dr. Rick Strassman who is the leading scientist and the only qualified researcher who can comment on the health and psychological effects of DMT. He conducted dozens of tests, experiments, and came up with very interesting results. Remember: as Muslims, it is our job to seek knowledge and explore. The book is a purely a scientific one that also includes the experiences of the test subjects. Anyone willing to do research on the subject is urged to read that book.

[beckercpa]

Thank you for your response, brother. I honestly didn't know there was such a thing. I'll be sure to ask them as soon as I can. Thanks again!

[Arrectiff]

Mufti Zubair Butt

Mufti Muhammed Zubair Butt is British born and committed the Holy Qur'an to memory at the age of 16 before going onto receiving Ijazahs in the ten variant recitals of the Holy Qur’an at the Institute of Islamic Education, Dewsbury, UK. He has studied traditional Islamic sciences, including Arabic language and literature, Fiqh, Usul al-Fiqh, Hadith, Usul al-Hadith, Tafseer, Usul al-Tafseer, and completed the Shahaadah al-‘Aalamiyyah at Darul Uloom Karachi, Pakistan in 1995. In 1997 he graduated from his post graduate specialization in the issuance of fatwa – legal edicts under the instruction of the world renowned Shaykh Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani.

Mufti Zubair holds the position of Senior Advisor on Islamic law at the Institute of Islamic Jurisprudence, Bradford. He is also active in various fields including health and education where he serves as Chair, Shariah Advisor, or member of several committees. He lectures on the Ethics of Transplants and Autopsy at the University of Leeds and is a regular contributor at seminars on Islamic medical ethics.

Mufti Muhammad ibn Adam al-Kawthari
Shaykh Mufti Muhammad ibn Adam al-Kawthari is a traditionally-trained Islamic scholar who studied the Arabic language and various other traditional Islamic sciences including Qur’anic exegesis (tafsir), Hadith and Fiqh in different parts of the world including the UK, Pakistan and Syria. His Shuyukh/teachers include his father, Shaykh Mawlana Adam, Shaykh Muhammad Yusuf Motala, Shaykh Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani, Shaykh Abd al-Razzaq al-Halabi, Shaykh Dr. Abd al-Latif Farfur al-Hasani and others. He has received authorizations (ijazahs) in various Islamic disciplines including the six major collections of Hadith and in the science of issuing religious verdicts (Fatawa).

His authored books include: Islamic Guide to Sexual Relations, Birth Control & Abortion in Islam, The Issue of Shares and Simplified Rules of Zakat. He is widely known for his detailed and well-researched fiqh related articles which can be found at his website www.daruliftaa.com.

The Shaykh has taught many courses and lectured extensively on a range of topics, and continues to travel regularly teaching and lecturing both in the UK and abroad. Presently, he resides in Leicester, UK, where he is a teacher of various traditional Islamic sciences at Jamiah Uloom al-Qur’an, and Director and researcher at the Institute of Islamic Jurisprudence (Darul Iftaa,www.daruliftaa.com).


Imam Yunus Dudhwala is one of the leading Muslim healthcare chaplains in the UK. He is the Head of Chaplaincy and Bereavement Services at Newham University Hospital NHS Trust, located in an area with one of the highest Muslim populations in the country. He started providing spiritual care to patients on a voluntary basis in 1998, prior to his appointment as the first person from a minority faith to head a chaplaincy service in the NHS. He is a regular trainer on national chaplaincy courses and was elected to the Council of the College of Healthcare Chaplains in 2003. He has served as a mosque Imam in Seven Kings, Essex and East Ham, London and also worked as a full-time Imam at the high security Belmarsh prison. Yunus is originally from Blackburn and a graduate of Darul-Uloom, Bury and Al-Azhar University, Cairo and a frequent speaker at Islamic events and youth meetings. Imam Yunus was recently announced the Healthcare Hero/NHS Employee of the Year 2010 at the HEAL Awards (Healthcare, Excellence, and Leadership), hosted by 24/7 Media Group
https://www.newhamuniversityhospital....cfm?Type=SAPC