About 40 percent of Saudi students become drug addicts because of the increased use of narcotics during exam times. And it happens when parents and guardians put pressure on them to score high marks. Drugs help them stay awake and study.
“Some children are given the impression that certain narcotics help them memorize well and stay awake during night,” said Dr. Nizar Al-Saleh, consultant of the National Committee to Combat Drugs.
He said Captagon pills are sold among students by different names. “Children with weak personalities, who do not receive proper care and guidance at homes and schools, fall victims to drug traffickers,” he said.
Al-Saleh said drugs give false notion to children that they would sharpen their memory. “Actually they would weaken them and cause them to perform poorly in exams,” the consultant said. He said a shortage of experts to deal with drug addicts would have a negative impact on youth.
He called upon parents to keep a close watch on their children to protect them from drug peddlers. “Tension during exams is one of the main reasons Saudi students use drugs,” Al-Saleh pointed out.
“Drug addiction is one of the major problems facing Saudi society,” said Dr. Saeed Al-Sareeha, director of studies at information. “A drug addict can destroy the whole family.”
Parent pressure to score high drives students to drug abuse
Parent pressure to score high drives students to drug abuse
240,000 Qur’an copies distributed to Umrah pilgrims in Ramadan
- Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, through its Madinah branch, carried out the distribution in line with its efforts to serve pilgrims and visitors arriving in the city
- Gift included copies of the Qur’an in various sizes, as well as translations of its meanings into several international languages
JEDDAH: A total of 240,000 copies of the Holy Qur’an were distributed to Umrah pilgrims at Al-Miqat Mosque in Madinah during February as part of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ gift program, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, through its Madinah branch, carried out the distribution in line with its efforts to serve pilgrims and visitors arriving in the city.
The gift included copies of the Qur’an in various sizes, as well as translations of its meanings into several international languages. The editions were produced by the King Fahd Complex for the Printing of the Holy Qur’an to meet the needs of beneficiaries from diverse nationalities.
Distribution points witnessed emotional scenes as pilgrims expressed their joy upon receiving the copies. Several recipients voiced their gratitude for the gesture, praying for the Kingdom’s leadership and commending the care and attention provided from their arrival until the completion of their rituals.
The initiative was implemented under a structured operational plan that accounted for the high number of pilgrims at Al-Miqat Mosque, a key site where worshippers enter into ihram. Field teams ensured the handover process was conducted smoothly while providing necessary guidance to beneficiaries.
The effort reflects the ministry’s broader mission to serve the Holy Qur’an through its printing, publication and wide distribution, alongside continued work during the Umrah season to support, educate and guide pilgrims and visitors.
