Weed in Al ‘Āshir min Ramaḑān




Introduction Weed in Al ‘Āshir min Ramaḑān

Ramadan is a sacred month in Islam—an opportunity for spiritual renewal, heightened worship, repentance, and drawing closer to Allah (SWT). Among its most significant periods are Al‑ʿĀshir min Ramaḍān, the last ten nights of the month, traditionally seen as especially blessed (including Laylat al‑Qadr). During these nights, many Muslims intensify their prayer, recitation of the Qur’an, and acts of charity, seeking forgiveness and greater spiritual transformation. Weed in Al ‘Āshir min Ramaḑān

But what if a person uses weed (cannabis, marijuana, hashish) and struggles with that habit? How does the use of weed intersect with fasting, worship, prayer, and repentance, particularly during these critical nights? This article explores the Islamic legal, spiritual, and ethical dimensions of cannabis use in the context of the last ten nights of Ramadan. Weed in Al ‘Āshir min Ramaḑān

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What Is “Weed”? — Definition & Effects Weed in Al ‘Āshir min Ramaḑān

Cannabis, commonly called “weed,” “marijuana,” “hashish,” or “ganja,” refers to products derived from the Cannabis sativa plant. The psychoactive component, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), alters perception, mood, consciousness, and cognition.(IslamQA)

Use of cannabis can lead to a variety of short-term and long-term effects, including:

• Impaired memory and attention
• Altered judgment and decision-making
• Potential respiratory harm (when smoked)(IslamQA)
• Risk of addiction
• Mental health challenges in heavy use over time(IslamQA)

Because of its psychoactive nature, cannabis is commonly considered an intoxicant under Islamic jurisprudence, a classification that brings significant legal and spiritual rulings.

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Islamic Ruling on Cannabis (Weed)

General Prohibition

1. Intoxicant Principle
   The Quran strongly warns against intoxicants. While cannabis is not explicitly named in the Qur’an, scholars apply general principles: any substance that intoxicates and impairs the mind falls under the prohibition.(islamiqate.com)
2. Hadith Basis
   • The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said, “Whatever intoxicates in large quantities, a small quantity of it is also forbidden.”(islamiqate.com)
   • He also declared: “All intoxicants are ḥarām.”(IslamQA)

   These hadiths form a foundational basis for the prohibition of substances like cannabis.

3. Scholarly Consensus
   • Major jurists from different Islamic schools (Hanafi, Shafi‘i, Hanbali, etc.) have ruled that hashish and marijuana are ḥarām.(IslamQA)
   • Some go as far as to call cannabis “prohibitively disliked” (makrūh taḥrīmi), very close to being fully forbidden.(IslamQA)
   • Smoking or consuming cannabis while knowing it is forbidden is widely condemned.(IslamQA)
4. Prayer and Intoxication
   • If a person is intoxicated, their prayer (ṣalāh) is not valid: IslamQA explains that prayer is invalid while under the influence of prohibited substances.(IslamQA)
   • After using cannabis, one must wait until the intoxication has fully passed and then purify themselves before offering prayer.(IslamQA)
5. Imam (Prayer Leader) and Cannabis Use
   • According to Hanafi jurisprudence, a known cannabis user (especially if they haven’t repented) is disliked (makrūh) to be appointed as an imam.(IslamQA)
   • Even if they quit shortly before Ramadan, scholars question the sincerity of repentance if the person intends to resume afterward.(IslamQA)

Medical Use Exception (Darūrah) Weed in Al ‘Āshir min Ramaḑān

While recreational use is broadly prohibited, there is nuanced discussion in Islamic law regarding medical cannabis:

1. Necessity (Ḍarūrah) Principle
   • Islamic jurisprudence recognizes that in cases of genuine medical necessity, otherwise prohibited things may become permissible.(journal.uinsi.ac.id)
   • If cannabis is prescribed by a qualified medical professional and there are no viable halal alternatives, some scholars permit its use.(IslamQA)
2. Non-Intoxicating Forms
   • Forms of cannabis with very low or zero THC (such as certain CBD products) have been considered more permissible by jurists, especially when used for medicine.(IslamQA)
   • However, deliberate addition of high-THC cannabinoids (which cause intoxication) is disallowed.(Islam-QA)
3. Conditions and Caution
   • Some scholars caution about the quality, purity, and source of medical cannabis, especially in unregulated markets.(ejournal.ukm.my)
   • It is advised to obtain verified medicinal cannabis (laboratory‑tested) and use it under strict medical supervision if permitted under Sharia.(ejournal.ukm.my)

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Fasting During Ramadan & Cannabis Use

Does Smoking or Using Cannabis Invalidate the Fast? Weed in Al ‘Āshir min Ramaḑān

• According to Hanafi jurists (via IslamQA), smoking weed does not invalidate the fast of that day or the next day.(IslamQA)
• The fast requires abstaining from food, drink, and other nullifiers during daylight hours; using cannabis after Iftar (breaking the fast) does not break the fast, according to some scholars.(Morocco World News)
• Nonetheless, while it may not nullify the fast, this does not mean it’s permissible or sin-free — cannabis remains ḥarām, and its use is a serious spiritual and legal issue.

Spiritual Implications During the Last Ten Nights Weed in Al ‘Āshir min Ramaḑān

The last ten nights of Ramadan (Al‑ʿĀshir min Ramaḍān) carry unique weight:

1. Laylat al‑Qadr (Night of Power)
   These nights are believed to include Laylat al‑Qadr, a night better than a thousand months. It is a time for deep reflection, prayer, and repentance.
2. Opportunity for Repentance
   For someone struggling with cannabis, these nights can be a crucial period for genuine tawbah (repentance). Given the prohibition of weed, the user should:
   • Sincerely repent to Allah for past use,
   • Make a firm intention not to return to it,
   • Use this spiritual momentum to seek help (therapy, counselling, or Islamic support) if needed.
3. Risk of Worship Impurity
   If a person uses cannabis (especially with THC) before salah, they may still be intoxicated, which invalidates the prayer. Missing or invalid prayers during the final nights jeopardize the spiritual benefit of these sacred times.(IslamQA)
4. Repentance That Matters
   Scholars warn that repentance must be sincere; stopping cannabis only for Ramadan, without a genuine resolution, does not constitute true tawbah.(IslamQA)
5. Seeking Alternative Means of Coping
   If cannabis use is due to stress, anxiety, or other mental health challenges, Ramadan’s last ten nights offer an ideal time to seek halal alternatives — prayer, dhikr (remembrance), seeking Islamic counselling, therapy, or even permissible medical treatment (if valid under Sharia).

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Ethical, Psychological, and Social Dimensions

Harm to the Self Weed in Al ‘Āshir min Ramaḑān

• Islamic law prohibits self-harm. The Quran states, “Do not throw yourselves into destruction with your own hands.” (Qur’an 2:195)(IslamQA)
• Cannabis can impair cognitive function, lead to dependency, and degrade mental health, which conflicts with the Islamic principle of preserving the intellect (ʿaql).

Community and Role-Modeling Weed in Al ‘Āshir min Ramaḑān

• A person known for cannabis use may lose credibility in the community, especially during Ramadan’s sacred nights.
• For someone holding a religious role (e.g., teacher, imam), their use of cannabis can undermine trust and set a poor example. Indeed, scholars discourage appointing a known cannabis user as an imam.(IslamQA)

Addiction & Repentance Cycle Weed in Al ‘Āshir min Ramaḑān

• Addiction is complex. A person may intend to quit for Ramadan but relapse afterward. Without structured support — therapy, accountability, and Islamic community help — the cycle may continue.
• True repentance (tawbah) is not just about stopping temporarily; it involves remorse, determination not to return, and corrective actions (e.g., avoiding triggers, replacing habit with worship).

Medical Ethics

• In contexts where cannabis has recognized medical uses, using non-intoxicating forms under professional supervision might be not only legally permissible but ethically responsible.
• But misuse, especially from unregulated sources, poses ethical, health, and legal risks.

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Practical Guidance for Muslims Who Use Weed (Especially During Ramadan’s Last Nights)

For those reading this who may be struggling with cannabis use, especially during the last ten nights of Ramadan, here is a practical, spiritually sensitive guide:

1. Repentance (Tawbah)
   • Turn sincerely to Allah. Admit your mistake, feel genuine remorse, and make a strong intention not to return.
   • Use the power of the last ten nights: perform tahajjud (late-night prayer), make duʿāʾ, ask for forgiveness, and commit to change.
2. Seek Help
   • Reach out to trusted Islamic counsellors, mental health professionals, or support groups.
   • Consider therapy, addiction counselling, or medical treatment if cannabis use is habitual or problematic.
3. Avoid Triggers
   • Identify what leads you to use cannabis (stress, social circles, boredom) and actively minimize exposure.
   • Replace habitual times of use with worship: for example, instead of reaching for weed after iftar, engage in dhikr, Qur’anic recitation, or prayer.
4. Medical Consultation
   • If you use cannabis for medical reasons, talk to a qualified, trustworthy doctor.
   • Explore non-intoxicating cannabis-based treatments (e.g., low-THC, high-CBD) if they are legally and medically available, and check whether Islamic rulings in your context permit them.(IslamQA)
5. Community and Accountability
   • Confide in a supportive friend, family member, or religious mentor who can provide encouragement, prayer, and practical help.
   • Consider forming or joining a self-help or accountability circle (e.g., fellow Muslims quitting substances, or group repentance).
6. Spiritual Maintenance
   • Use the momentum and blessings of Ramadan (especially the final ten nights) to build spiritual routines that outlast the month: daily prayer, regular Qur’an reading, charitable giving, and seeking knowledge.
   • After Ramadan, continue to reflect on the progress made, and set realistic, faith-based goals for staying away from cannabis.

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Case Studies & Scholarly Perspectives

To illustrate how different Muslim communities and scholars view the interaction of cannabis use with religion, especially in Ramadan, we can look at several perspectives:

1. Former Grand Mufti of Egypt
   • Ali Gomaa (former Grand Mufti) made a controversial statement that drinking alcohol and using cannabis do not invalidate the fast of Ramadan.(Morocco World News)
   • He distinguishes between the prohibition of the substance itself and the rules for invalidating the fast, but many scholars strongly disagree with his leniency.
2. IslamQA / Fatwas from Hanafi Fiqh
   • According to Hanafi fiqh (via IslamQA), using cannabis is impermissible.(IslamQA)
   • On leading prayer: a known cannabis user is discouraged from being an imam, especially if their repentance is not sincere.(IslamQA)
3. Contemporary Jurisprudential Research
   • A 2024 article in the Journal of College of Sharia & Islamic Studies explores cannabis from a Shariah perspective. It distinguishes between hemp (low THC) and marijuana (high THC), and considers intention (“niyyah”) as a key factor in determining whether use is haram or (in rare circumstances) permissible.(journals.qu.edu.qa)
   • Jurists have applied the principle of “necessities make the unlawful lawful” (al‑ḍarūrah tubīḥ al‑maḥẓūrāt) in medical cases to permit non‑intoxicating cannabis use.(ejournal.ukm.my)

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Spiritual Risks and Dangers in Al‑ʿĀshir min Ramaḍān

Focusing specifically on the last ten nights of Ramadan, there are unique spiritual risks for someone using cannabis:

1. Missed Opportunities
   • The last ten nights are a time when prayers and repentance are especially rewarded. If cannabis use prevents or weakens one’s worship, it undermines this opportunity.
   • Being intoxicated or recovering from intoxication may reduce mindfulness, concentration, and sincerity in worship.
2. Hypocrisy and Guilt
   • A person might attend tahajjud, recite Qur’an, and make duʿāʾ, yet continue using cannabis afterward. This internal conflict can lead to guilt, spiritual stagnation, or deceit of self.
   • True repentance requires consistent change, not just ritual intensification.
3. Physical and Mental Impairment
   • Using weed close to prayer times might impair cognition, making the person less aware or thoughtful in ṣalāh, reducing its quality and spiritual depth.
   • Addiction, relapse, and withdrawal can drain moral and emotional energy, making it harder to maintain the rigour required in the last nights.
4. Community Reputation and Trust
   • If others in one’s community know about the habit, it can harm one’s standing, credibility, and spiritual influence.
   • Leading others in worship (as an imam or teacher) while secretly using cannabis raises serious ethical and religious concerns.

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Repentance & Redemption: A Path Forward

Despite the seriousness of cannabis use and its prohibition, the end of Ramadan—and particularly the last ten nights—offers a profound opportunity for spiritual regeneration.

1. Sincere Tawbah (Repentance)
   • Acknowledge the wrong, feel genuine remorse, and make a firm resolve not to return.
   • Use duʿāʾ during the last nights to ask Allah for strength, forgiveness, and a clean break from the habit.
2. Make Use of Laylat al‑Qadr
   • Intensify worship: pray iʿtikāf if possible, recite the Qur’an, ask for forgiveness, and reflect on one’s life.
   • Pray that Allah grants you the strength to leave cannabis for good, not just for Ramadan.
3. Set Up Support Structures
   • Join or form a support group (Islamic, therapeutic, or both) to maintain accountability.
   • Continue after Ramadan: keep seeing counsellors, maintain spiritual habits, and rebuild one’s life around healthier practices.
4. Use Halal Alternatives
   • For those using cannabis to self-medicate (e.g., anxiety, PTSD), explore permissible medical alternatives, therapy, or wellness strategies sanctioned by Islamic ethics.
   • Consider non-intoxicating medically prescribed cannabis (if your scholar or local fatwa allows), or alternative treatments.
5. Commit to Long-Term Change
   • Ramadan can be a launchpad. Make plans that go beyond the month: set goals, track progress, and revisit your journey periodically.
   • Pray for steadfastness, not just for Ramadan, but for your entire life.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Does smoking weed after Iftar break my fast?
A: No, according to several Hanafi scholars, smoking cannabis after Iftar does not invalidate the fast.(IslamQA)
However, it remains prohibited (ḥarām), and using it compromises spiritual integrity.

Q2: Is weed (cannabis) haram (forbidden) in Islam?
A: Yes, the majority of Islamic scholars consider cannabis haram because it intoxicates and harms the mind.(IslamQA)
There are some nuanced exceptions for medical cannabis under strict conditions.(IslamQA)

Q3: What about CBD (cannabidiol)?
A: CBD products derived from cannabis, especially with very low or negligible THC, may be more permissible in some Islamic legal opinions, particularly for medical use.(Islam-QA)
Still, each case should be evaluated carefully, and the source and purity matter.

Q4: If I use weed regularly, can I lead Taraweeh or other prayers during Ramadan?
A: According to Hanafi fiqh, if someone smokes weed and has not sincerely repented, it is disliked (makrūh) for them to lead prayers.(IslamQA)
Even if they stop shortly before Ramadan, scholars question the sincerity of repentance if they plan to resume afterward.(IslamQA)

Q5: Can I use cannabis for medicinal reasons?
A: In some cases, yes. If a qualified doctor prescribes cannabis and there are no halal alternatives, some scholars permit its use under the principle of necessity (ḍarūrah).(IslamQA)
Preferably, use non-intoxicating forms (e.g., low-THC, high-CBD) and ensure the product is tested and regulated.(ejournal.ukm.my)

Q6: How do I repent (make tawbah) from cannabis use, especially during the last ten nights of Ramadan?
A: The steps are:

1. Admit and feel remorse for the misuse.
2. Make a sincere intention never to return.
3. Intensify worship during the last ten nights (prayer, Qur’an, duʿāʾ).
4. Seek help (religious, medical, psychological) to support quitting.
5. Set up long-term accountability measures.

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Conclusion

The issue of weed (cannabis) during Al‑ʿĀshir min Ramaḍān, the last ten nights of Ramadan, is a deeply sensitive and spiritually profound topic. On one hand, cannabis is widely considered ḥarām (prohibited) in Islam due to its intoxicating nature, and its use can seriously impair worship, repentance, and spiritual focus. On the other hand, the final nights of Ramadan present a powerful opportunity for repentance, transformation, and seeking Allah’s mercy.

For those struggling with cannabis, this is not merely a legal or ritual question—it is a spiritual crossroads. The call of Ramadan’s last nights is an invitation to break free, rebuild, and renew one’s relationship with Allah. By sincerely repenting, seeking help, leveraging the blessing of Laylat al‑Qadr, and committing to long-term change, one can hope to leave cannabis behind and enter a more spiritually fulfilling life.

May Allah grant strength to those who strive, accept their repentance, and guide them to the path of well-being, clarity, and submission.

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Outbound Links (References)

• IslamQA – “Is smoking weed Haram?” (IslamQA)
• IslamQA – “Islamic ruling on marijuana (hashish / cannabis)” (IslamQA)
• IslamQA – “Ruling on cannabis/marijuana and its medical usage” (IslamQA)
• IslamQA – “Ruling on cannabidiol (CBD) derived from cannabis” (Islam-QA)
• Journal – Uses and Implications of Marijuana from the Perspective of Islamic Law (journals.qu.edu.qa)