Chemical Reactions Chapter Summaries

In the chapter “Chemical reactions” from the book Saying yes in defense of drug use. It compares Muslim and Mormon Religion restrictions of substances that are acceptable for use outside of these religions. The chapter focuses on alcohol and caffeine, but there are other substances that are mentioned as forbidden. Alcohol and caffeine highly addictive yet they are widely available for purchase in stores however the substances are viewed as illicit substances. In the Muslim tradition,any intoxicant is forbidden because it is important for an individual to know what he says and does. In Mormon religion, any drug or substance that results in addiction and physical or mental impairment or lowering of moral standards is forbidden there are however exceptions,prescribed medications are acceptable for individuals to use for health benefits only. Caffeine is viewed same as alcohol because it provides a small buzz. Caffeine has been categorized as a forbidden substance but has not been as widely enforced it has been
One school states that the forbidden use is restricted to grape wine in another alcohol use is permitted so long as one does not become drunk, another Muslim school of jurisprudence includes any amount of substance that someone can become drunk.The Islamic law may be open to interpretation not only in terms of alcohol use but also in regards to the use of hashish and the use of qat which is a stimulant shrub popular in Yemen and Somalia the psychoactive effects of qat were not regarded as similar to alcohol. Muslims have also forbidden the use of tobacco not because of its addictive qualities but because of the negative health effects.Both Mormons and Muslims have forbidden the use of mind altering substances for different religious reasons regardless of how readily available the substances are, however both have exceptions to their