Question Summary:
Students taking drugs to study for exams

Question Detail:

Many students here in the U.S take the drug Adderall to focus and study for exams and school work. I believe the drug is usually prescribed to people who have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Can this drug be used for those not prescribed to the drug from a doctor to study? Many students have been asking around whether or not it is permissible. If you could kindly shed some light on this issue. 

Answer :

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.
Adderall is an amphetamine, which is a type of stimulant. It is commonly prescribed for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Because it suppresses the appetite and stimulates the metabolism, it is also used for weight loss. Others take Adderall for the high it can produce; it is highly addictive.[1] Furthermore, Adderall has a host of side effects which are detrimental to one’s health.[2] Using it without the guidance of a doctor may cause serious bodily injury.[3] Using Adderall without a prescription is illegal.[4]
It is clear from the above that Adderall is a drug used for specific medical conditions and has a high potential for abuse. Thus, it has been legally regulated through prescription. According to the fiqhī maxims, الضرورات تبيح المحظورات (Necessity relaxes prohibition) and الضرورة تتقدر بقدر الضرورة (Necessity is confined to need) it is impermissible to use Adderall without prescription.[5] Furthermore, as Muslims, we are bound to uphold the laws of the country which are not contrary to Sharī‘ah.[6] As such, one should endeavor to respect and follow the laws of the country.
And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best
Hisham Dawood
Student, Darul Iftaa
Chicago, USA
Checked and Approved by,
Mufti Ebrahim Desai.
www.daruliftaa.net