Islam And Addiction

The word Islam literally means submission. In this sense there is a shared connection between Islam and certain aspects of the 12 Steps. Yet, in Islam submission means more than just a vague submission to a higher power-Islam requires submission to the will of Allah (God) other wise known as Sharia law. In this aspect there is some connection to the commitment Judaism puts on following the Torah, but Sharia Law drawn out from the Qurán differs greatly from it’s Abrahimic counterparts. Despite the emphasis placed on following Sharia Law, most addicts who are recovering from addiction find the structural rigidness a blessing rather than a curse.

Origins of Islam

Islam originated with Muhammad (570-632) in Arabian Peninsula. Muhammad’s teachings were recorded in the Qurán, whose final redaction and compilation took place by 656. Islam espouses 5 pillars for it’s adherents to commit to. It’s Sharia Law provides guidance and structure for followers in both religious and political aspects of life.

Islamic Beliefs and Addiction Recovery

Perhaps the important part of Islam that encourages addicts to pull out of their addiction is Islam’s insistence on abstinence from alcohol and narcotics. Not only are these statutes in Islamic law helpful to rid the addict of the abused substance, many of the guidelines in Sharia law offer the recovered add a structure re organize his or her life.