William Henry :
Leaders from across faith, government, and public health sectors gathered for a powerful event addressing the urgent issue of drug awareness and prevention, with a strong call to action led by Imam Muhammad Shahidullah, CEO of Save the People (STP USA).
Held in collaboration with the Consul General of the Dominican Republic in New York and the President of the Dominican Republic’s National Council of Drugs, the event focused on community-driven strategies to combat rising substance abuse, especially among youth.
In his keynote remarks, Imam Shahidullah delivered a deeply moving address rooted in faith, compassion, and social responsibility. “Drug abuse is more than an individual struggle; it is a wound that weakens families, damages social harmony, and threatens the future of our youth — the very future Allah has entrusted us to protect,” he told attendees.
Drawing on Islamic principles, he reminded the audience that life, health, and dignity are sacred trusts. “Addiction is not a moral failure; it is a human struggle. Many fall into substance abuse due to trauma, loneliness, poverty, or mental health challenges. These are our children, our neighbors, our friends.”
Throughout his speech, Imam Shahidullah emphasized that education is the first line of defense. “We must speak openly—in our homes, mosques, schools, and community gatherings—about the dangers of substance abuse,” he urged. “Our youth must understand that their bodies and minds are trusts from Allah, deserving of protection.”
He further called for mosques and faith centers to go beyond sermons, urging them to serve as places of counseling, mentorship, and healing, in partnership with health professionals. “When faith, knowledge, and compassion come together, healing becomes possible,” he said.
Equally important, he noted, is offering support to those already affected by addiction. “We must provide real paths to recovery—access to counseling, rehabilitation, spiritual guidance, and community support.”
As faith leaders, health officials, and international dignitaries listened, his words echoed a message of unity: that overcoming addiction requires both action and empathy. “Prayer is not a replacement for action, but a force that strengthens it,” he added.
The event highlighted the growing global nature of the drug crisis and the need for cross-cultural collaboration. With rising substance abuse statistics around the world, speakers emphasized the importance of prevention, interagency cooperation, and breaking stigma through dialogue.
Imam Shahidullah closed his remarks with a collective appeal to build healthier, safer communities guided by mercy and justice. “Let us demonstrate that our faith is a source of healing, responsibility, and hope,” he said. “Together, we can protect life, restore dignity, and uplift our families.”
The event stood as a powerful reminder that addressing addiction is not just a policy challenge, but a moral and spiritual imperative—one that demands united leadership and unwavering compassion.
