Using intoxicating drugs to reduce pain
Fatwa No: 102089

Question

Assalaamu alaikum, A sister from our forums is asking the following question, " 1. is it permissible to use medicinal marijuana in the case of a painful chronic illness? 2. is it permissible to take intoxicants during labor such as demerol, morphine, or laughing gas? i am asking these questions together because i have been through labor twice. the pain i go through in the active phases of my illness are as painful as 2nd stage labor, and Allah knows best. i feel that i cannot cook, clean, and take care of my husband and children properly when i am in so much pain, and i am alone with no relative to help me. the other drugs used to manage this illness have very bad side effects, and so far i have not found a milder one that is helpful yet." We hope you can answer her question. Jazak Allah khair.

Answer

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

 

We have already issued Fataawa 89906 and 87324 clarifying that it is not permissible to use intoxicating drugs to reduce the pain except in case of necessity and after seeking the advice of specialized doctors, so please refer to them.

Therefore, it is not permissible for you to use any intoxicants, be it marijuana or else, except with the above conditions.

Allaah Knows best.

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