Answered by Shaykh Yūsuf Badāt
Question:
Can I use steroids to burn fat faster? Once I am happy with my weight, I will no longer use it on a regular basis. Is this permissible?
Answer:
In the Name of God, Most Merciful, Most Kind.
Jazāk Allāh Khayr/ Thank you for contacting Mathabah with your question.
The use of steroids is forbidden in Islam due to the multiple harms and risks associated with its use. This will also be the ruling in the described situation in your question. The use of such a substance that is detrimental to one’s health is considered ḥarām (prohibited) or in the least makrūh taḥrīmī (prohibitively disliked, meaning very close to ḥarām) by majority mulsim jurists.
We highly advise using natural and permissible remedies for weight and fat loss such as healthy eating, regular physical workouts, good sleep and living a ḥalāl lifestyle. We strongly advise you to consult Muslim medical professionals to advise you regarding your dilemma, accordingly.
“Steroids and or androgenic anabolic steroids are a class of drugs similar to the male hormone testosterone. These drugs have muscle-building (anabolic), masculinizing (androgenic) and mind-altering (psychoactive) effects. Steroids are controlled substances in Canada. The drugs are legal by prescription only and for veterinary use. It is illegal to produce, sell, import or export the drugs. Under current laws, offenders may receive a fine, a prison term and a criminal record that could affect their future employment, travel plans and educational opportunities. Steroids are banned by most professional and amateur sports governing bodies. Steroids are manufactured by pharmaceutical companies. The drugs are also produced in uncontrolled laboratories. Typically, steroids come in pill or liquid form and are swallowed or injected.” – (See: WebMd.com, Heretohelp.bc.ca, Canada.ca)
Health Canada states the following,
“Steroids can potentially cause serious health issues such as liver disorders and heart problems There are serious health risks associated with the use of anabolic steroids including heart attacks, strokes, reduced fertility, hardening of the arteries, liver damage, masculinization of women, and enlargement or tenderness of male breasts or nipples.” – (Health Canada See:Canada.ca)
A quick research on steroids will confirm there are wide-ranging consequences for its use. Some are listed here:
- Acne
- Yellowing of the skin (jaundice)
- Baldness
- Tendon rupture
- Heart attacks
- Enlarged heart
- Significant risk of liver disease and liver cancer
- High levels of “bad” cholesterol
- Mood swings
- Fly into rages
- Suffer delusions
- Growth of excessive face and body hair
- Arrested bone growth
“Do not put yourselves into destruction, and do good. Of course, God loves those who do good.” (Qur’ān 2:195)
“God has not placed your cure in prohibited things.” (Bukhārī)
And Allāh Knows Best
