Globally, punitive approaches associated with the “war on drugs” continue to dominate drug control frameworks. These approaches prioritize criminalization and punishment over health, care and social support, often resulting in incarceration, stigma and exclusion for people who use drugs. In some contexts, drug-related offences – including low-level trafficking and courier roles – remain punishable by death, disproportionately affecting individuals from economically marginalized backgrounds.
This webinar proposes an exploration of contemporary drug policies through the ethical and jurisprudential lens of Islam, with a central question: are current drug policies consistent with Islamic principles of mercy, justice and the preservation of life? The session draws on experiences from selected Muslim-majority countries that are engaging – formally or informally – with more compassionate approaches to drug policy reform.
This webinar thus contributes to ongoing global drug policy discussions by presenting Islamic ethical perspectives that support humane, public health-oriented and rights-based approaches to drug policy, including harm reduction. It highlights how Islamic teachings can be aligned with evidence-based interventions that prioritize health, dignity and social reintegration.
The event was co-organized by the International Drug Policy Consortium (IDPC), Malaysia AIDS Foundation, Justice Project Pakistan, the Middle East and North African Harm Reduction Association (MENAHRA), the Global Commission on Drug Policy (GCDP) and IAS – the International AIDS Society.
