Agra | In today’s Friday sermon, Muhammad Iqbal, Imam of Masjid Neharwali, spoke about an issue that captivated everyone’s attention: “Gutkha.” He said that, in the light of Islamic teachings, it is the duty of every Muslim to take care of their health and avoid bad habits that can harm their physical and spiritual life. The Quran and Sunnah provide clear guidance that anything harmful to health should be avoided, and the addiction to Gutkha falls into this category. In the Quran, Allah says, “Do not throw yourselves into destruction” (Surah Al-Baqarah, Ayah 195). In a hadith from Bukhari, the Messenger of Allah said, “Harmful things are forbidden.” After Allah and His Messenger, doctors also label Gutkha addiction as a “dangerous disease.” It can cause mouth and throat cancer, heart diseases, and high blood pressure. Additionally, the cost of treating diseases caused by Gutkha addiction imposes financial burdens on families and can even lead to disputes within the family. Islamic teachings offer solutions to the problem of Gutkha addiction. First and foremost, seek forgiveness from Allah for your sins and sincerely repent to rid yourself of this addiction. Strengthen your willpower by keeping voluntary fasts, give charity, which softens the heart and helps in avoiding evil, and continuously pray to Allah to free you from this bad habit. By the Lord of the Kaaba, there is immense power in prayer. My Lord is the One who accepts prayers, so ask Him sincerely. Strengthen your willpower and try to quit this bad habit with patience. Take the first step, and Allah’s help will come to you. InshaAllah. When you quit, Shaytan will try to disturb you in different ways. You might fall ill, but this illness will soon make you healthier. It is ironic that people spend money on their treatment, and here you are “buying” disease with your money. In a way, you are inviting “suicide,” and you well know that suicide is forbidden (haram). The decision is now yours to make. May Allah grant us the right understanding. Aameen.
People spend money on treatment, you are buying disease with money : Muhammad Iqbal
