Grade 7 islamic religious education Akhlaq (Moral Teachings) – Prohibitions in Islam Notes
Akhlaq (Moral Teachings) — Subtopic: Prohibitions in Islam
Subject: Islamic Religious Education | Target age: 12 (Kenyan context)
- a) Describe the effects of drug abuse for healthy living.
- b) Examine the rationale behind the prohibition of drugs as a way of fostering positive character formation.
- c) Explain remedies for drug abuse for a healthy and morally upright society.
- d) Abstain from abusing drugs to earn Allah’s pleasure.
- e) Acknowledge the rationale for the prohibition of drugs for the growth and development of the nation.
Islamic basis for prohibition of intoxicants
Islam clearly forbids intoxicants and harmful substances. The Qur'an says: “O you who believe! Intoxicants, gambling, [sacrificing on] stone altars, and divination by arrows are abominations of Satan’s handiwork. Avoid them that you may succeed.” (Qur'an 5:90)
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught that whatever intoxicates in large amounts is forbidden even in small amounts. Islam teaches: protect your body, mind and community from harm.
a) Effects of drug abuse for healthy living (simple and clear)
- Physical harm: harms the brain, heart, lungs; may cause disease and early death. 💔
- Mental harm: confusion, memory loss, trouble learning, depression, anxiety. 🧠
- School problems: poor grades, skipping classes, dropping out. 🎒
- Family & social harm: fights at home, loss of trust, isolation from friends. 👪
- Legal and financial problems: arrests, fines, loss of future jobs. 🚫⚖️
- Spiritual harm: distance from Allah, weakening of faith and moral behaviour. 🕌
b) Why Islam prohibits drugs — for positive character formation
The prohibition is not only about rules. It helps us:
- Protect body and mind so we can worship Allah properly. (Healthy body = better ibadah)
- Build good character: self-control, responsibility, honesty and respect. ✋
- Keep families and communities safe and peaceful. A society free from drugs is more caring and productive.
- Prevent actions that lead to sin, harm, crime or loss of dignity.
c) Remedies for drug abuse — how we help individuals and society
Remedies include religious, social and practical actions:
- Repentance (Tawbah): Sincere turning back to Allah and asking forgiveness. 🕋
- Seek medical help and counselling: Doctors and rehabilitation centres can treat addiction.
- Community & family support: Parents, teachers and Imams guide and encourage recovery.
- Replace bad habits: Join sports, clubs, Qur'an classes, or vocational training to fill time positively. ⚽📚
- Peer support & mentoring: Older role models and counsellors help young people resist peer pressure.
- School & legal measures: School discipline, referral to counsellors, and working with agencies such as NACADA in Kenya. 🇰🇪
d) Why we must abstain — to earn Allah’s pleasure
Abstaining from harmful substances is an act of obedience to Allah. When we protect our bodies, minds and behaviour, we show gratitude and love for the gift of life. This earns Allah’s pleasure and brings spiritual peace.
e) Rationale for prohibition for national growth and development (Kenyan view)
A drug-free nation has healthier citizens who can study, work and contribute to the country’s progress. Problems caused by drugs (crime, poor health, unemployment) slow development. Kenya has institutions (for example, NACADA) and laws to prevent drug abuse and help those who need treatment. When young people stay healthy and educated, the nation grows stronger.
Practical advice for learners (age 12)
- Say “no” to peer pressure; practice short refusal phrases: “No thanks, I don’t want that.” ✋
- Stay with friends who make healthy choices. 👭👬
- Tell a trusted adult if someone offers drugs: parent, teacher, Imam or counsellor. 🗣️
- Join school sports, clubs or Qur’an classes to stay busy and happy. 🎨⚽
- Remember the Qur'an and Hadith guidance; make dua for strength. 🙏
Suggested Learning Experiences (classroom & community)
- Class discussion: Read Qur’an 5:90 together, then discuss how intoxicants hurt people. Ask learners to give local examples they know (without naming people).
- Role-play: Practise refusing offers of drugs. One student plays someone offering, another refuses using polite, firm words.
- Poster-making: Groups create posters with slogans like “Say No to Drugs” and Qur’anic reminders; display at school. 🎨
- Invite a guest speaker: Invite a school counsellor or NACADA representative to talk about help and rehabilitation available in Kenya.
- Short project: Each learner writes a one-page pledge to avoid drugs and lists three healthy activities to do instead.
- Community link: Organize a small awareness day with parents, teachers and the mosque to discuss how to keep children safe.
Quick assessment & reflection
Activity for learners:
- Write three effects of drug abuse (physical, social, spiritual).
- Explain one Islamic reason drugs are forbidden and one practical reason for Kenya’s development.
- Make a short plan (4 steps) you will follow if someone offers you drugs.