Iraq's top Shia cleric Ali al-Sistani declares zero tolerance on drugs amid growing use and trade

Iraq's most senior Shia cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, issued an influential directive condemning the use and trade of drugs, urging the Iraqi population to distance themselves from traffickers. 

The directive, released on Monday, comes as Iraq grapples with an alarming rise in drug consumption and trafficking, with the country increasingly becoming a key transit route for illicit drugs entering from neighbouring Iran and Afghanistan.

In recent years, Iraq has seen a sharp increase in domestic drug use, particularly of captagon and crystal meth. Reports suggest that various militia groups have become deeply involved in the lucrative drug trade, exacerbating the crisis.

In a detailed religious directive, Ayatollah Sistani's office responded to numerous questions from his followers, explicitly condemning the drug trade. He declared it strictly forbidden (haram) in all its forms and methods of consumption, and urged the public to avoid any dealings with those involved in drug trafficking. The Ayatollah emphasised that any money obtained through such illegal activities is impure and must not be used.

Ayatollah Sistani also called on Iraqis to report drug traffickers to the authorities, stressing that combating this growing menace is not only a legal duty but also a moral and religious obligation. He issued a stern warning to law enforcement and judicial authorities, urging them to remain vigilant and resolute in their efforts against the drug trade, and cautioned that those who neglect their responsibilities are committing a serious sin.

He also condemned corruption within security forces, particularly those who accept bribes to overlook drug trafficking activities, equating such acts with major sins.

Al-Sistani called on parents to take all necessary measures to protect their children from the dangers of drug addiction, even if it means moving out of the family home. He also underscored the role of cultural and religious centres, educators, and media professionals in raising awareness about the dangers of drugs, urging them to participate in the fight against this issue actively.

Furthermore, the directive highlighted the importance of rehabilitation over imprisonment for addicts and affirmed that repentance is accepted if the addict is sincere and committed to quitting.

"The fatwa will have a significant impact on Iraqi security forces and society as a whole," said Abdul Ghani al-Ghadban, an Iraqi political analyst, in an interview with The New Arab. "Security forces will be motivated to intensify their efforts in combating drugs, knowing that any lapses in their duties will be closely watched by their fellow officers."

He added that the fatwa would also mobilise Iraqi tribes to monitor their communities, keep an eye on their areas and children, and take action against any suspected drug traffickers by reporting them to the authorities.

The Iraqi Interior Ministry also welcomed Ayatollah Sistani's directives, recognising the crucial role it plays in bolstering the government's ongoing fight against drug-related crimes. The ministry highlighted several key initiatives, including the establishment of 16 compulsory rehabilitation centres for addicts, as part of a comprehensive strategy to curb the spread of drugs within the country. The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to relentlessly pursuing drug traffickers and ensuring that justice is served.

Meanwhile, the Parliamentary Committee to Combat Drugs has also expressed strong support for al-Sistani's directive, describing it as a "roadmap" for addressing the drug crisis in Iraq. The committee has pledged to incorporate the Ayatollah's guidance into its legislative and oversight work, ensuring that the fight against drugs remains a top priority for the government. The committee has also urged all branches of government to intensify their efforts in this critical area.

The scale of the drug problem in Iraq was highlighted in May when authorities announced the seizure of 2.5 million captagon pills in a single day. Iraq, which serves as a key conduit for the amphetamine-type drug, regularly reports large hauls of captagon, much of it trafficked across its porous 600-kilometre border with war-torn Syria.

This unified stance from Iraq's religious leadership, government, and parliament underscores the urgent need for collective action to protect Iraqi society from the devastating impact of drugs.