2025 International Day Against Drug Abuse

All praise be to Allah, the Almighty, the Most Powerful, who cautions us with stern warning against immoralities—particularly those social vices such as alcohol, drugs, and narcotics. As the Most High has declared:

“Indeed, those who avoid the major sins and indecencies—except for minor lapses—are blameless. Your Lord is vast in forgiveness. Thus, We have entrusted you with a message to guide humankind, and your duty is to deliver what has been revealed to you. We shall surely question all of them about their deeds.”

And I bear witness that there is no deity but Allah alone, without partner. The Truthful One, the Guide to the Straight Path, has said:

“And establish prayer, and give zakat, and obey the Messenger, so that you may be shown mercy. It is He Who has sent among the unlettered a Messenger from among yourselves—one to whom belongs all praise, and whose mercy extends to all creation—who recites to them His verses and sanctifies them, and teaches them the Book and Wisdom. Truly, He is mighty and wise.”

May Allah grant us righteousness and enable us to adhere steadfastly to His guidance, shielding us from the perils of vice, and guiding us along the noble paths He has set forth.

I bear witness to the fact that Muhammad is Allah’s servant and messenger. May Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam), along with his family and companions, and upon those who follow their guidance and emulate their sunna until the Day of Judgment.

He (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) said: “Every intoxicant is wine, and every wine is forbidden.”

O Allah, send your blessings, peace, mercy, and blessings upon him, his family, and his companions. May You guide those who follow their righteous path, and may You uphold their Sunnah until the Day of Reckoning.

Today’s sermon revolves around a most serious subject: the strict prohibition against drug abuse and the grave consequences it inflicts upon society. We also aim to commend the NDLEA, a governmental institution, on the occasion of its establishment anniversary, in the ongoing battle against drugs.

Fellow Muslims,

Fear Allah, the Most High, and beware of the calamity of drugs— a vice that has spread its destructive influence throughout our society. It has enveloped our youth—our boys and girls—until it has stolen their minds, extinguished their aspirations, and jeopardised their future. They have become burdens and obstacles to their families, their communities, and their governments.

In recognition of the 2025 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, and in observance of Nigeria’s Civil Service Week for the year 2025, we stand united to sound a stern warning against substance abuse and the devastating consequences it has wrought upon our society. Let us renew our resolve to combat this menace with vigilance and steadfastness.

And a special prayer for Nigeria’s Civil Service in the year 2025:

May Allah grant us strength, wisdom, and unwavering commitment in our duty to serve, and may He guide our efforts in building a safer, healthier society free from the scourge of drugs.

Furthermore, the scope of this calamity extends beyond mere substance abuse. There are heinous acts of terrorism, instilling fear within society through various forms of corruption—such as theft, looting, banditry, murder, and sexual violence.

Woe to the scourge of drugs! Woe to the scourge of drugs!

In this regard, it is incumbent upon us to actively promote and support the efforts of the government institutions—particularly the NDLEA—in their relentless fight against the production, trafficking, and consumption of drugs. Continuous encouragement and unwavering commitment are vital in combating this grievous and bitterly painful phenomenon.

We ask Allah, the Most High and Most Mighty, to save Nigeria from the Fitnah of drugs and from all calamities and immoralities—whether apparent or hidden.

Second Sermon:

All praise be to Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Gracious; to Him belongs all praise and thanks in gratitude for His countless blessings.

I bear witness that there is no deity but Allah, alone without partner; and I testify that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger.

May Allah’s peace, blessings, mercy, and benedictions be upon him, his family, companions, and all who follow them with righteousness until the Day of Judgment.

O you believers, remember the words of Allah the Most High, then ponder:

“O you who have believed, indeed, intoxicants, gambling, [sacrificial] stones, and divining arrows are but defilement from the work of Satan, so avoid it that you may be successful. Satan only desires to cause between you animosity and hatred through intoxicants and gambling and to avert you from the remembrance of Allah and from prayer. Will you not then desist?” (Surah Al-Maa’idah: 90-91)

In the narration transmitted by Imam Muslim from Abdullah Ibn Umar,

The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

“Every intoxicant is wine, and every wine is impermissible.”