By Salisu Sani-Idris
Abuja – An Abuja-based Islamic Cleric, Malam Yahya Al-Yolawi, on Friday advised the Federal Government to intensify efforts at curbing drug abuse among youths in the country.
Al-Yolawi, who is the Chief Imam of Area 10 Garki, Jumma’at Mosque, gave the advice while delivering his Jumma’at sermon titled, “ Youths and their Contribution in Islam“.
He expressed concern over the increasing rate of substance abuse among youths of both sexes, and stressed the need for all tiers of government to arrest the situation urgently.
The chief Imam also called on the Ministry of Health to curtail the proliferation of patent medicine stores to check the sales of hard drugs.
He called on the Federal Government to create more job opportunities for the youth to reduce drug abuse and other social vices.
The cleric, however, appealed to the youth, themselves, to make the best use of their youthful age and strive for excellence, “because youthful age is a period of beneficial production for generations to come”.
According to him, Islam takes special care of the youth and encourages them to make the best use of valuable period of their lives.
“ Every Muslim shall be asked by Almighty Allah about his or her life in the Hereafter, the youth period has a special reckoning of Allah.
“ The Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) says the son of Adam would not pass away from Allah until he is asked about four things: how he lived his life and how he utilised his youth.
“ Son of Adam will also be asked with what means did he earn his wealth; how did he spend his money; and what did he do with his knowledge,” Al-Yolawi said. (NAN)