Supreme Religious Authority warns against drug trafficking, calls for providing jobs for youths

In Friday’s sermon held at the Imam Hussain Shrine on July 5, 2019, sheikh Abdul-Mehdi Elkerbela’i, representative of the Shia Muslim Supreme Religious Authority, warned against the phenomenon of drug trafficking in the country.

Elkerbela’i said that what’s worrisome is the proliferation of drugs among young people who form a very important social stratum, noting that he talked about the necessity of embracing the young in previous Friday’s sermons. In addition, he said that drugs will drain young people’s potentials.

He added that drugs are now being promoted for off-label use by persuading young people that such drugs can treat depression and anxiety.

Elkerbela’i also said there is no means of spreading awareness to help people avoid the use of drugs, stressing the necessity that the authorities concerned have to find solutions to such issue by legislating a law that sets a severe punishment to drug abusers.

It is crucial to fill the void for young people by having them engaged in entertaining and self-improving programs, especially there are many young people suffering unemployment or emotional and social problems, Elkerbela'i said further.

Elkerbela’i called for providing the young with job opportunities by revitalizing private sectors, industrial and agricultural sectors, and youth centers.

He also called on families, schools, the media, and the government to tackle this phenomenon, noting that the ethical aspect and values must be taken care of the way other academic fields are being handled.

He criticized some media outlets for they violated media regulations by feeding people with their ideology and thoughts, calling on all media outlets to be professional.

Elkerbela’i concluded, talking about immoral centers, especially in Baghdad, noting that such centers give themselves socially accepted titles concerning health, self-improvement, and entertainment. He added that such centers have to be under surveillance, for such places pose a threat to the society.

 

Editing: Wela’ EsSeffar

Translation: Mohammed Elobaidi

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