Intoxication

Refering to toxins of all kinds and sorts.

I'm going to start with stating the example of drug-abuse (crack/pot). The short-term effect of these drugs is anything but intoxicating. It is probably the best known escape from all the troubles in your life and the world. The euphoria and the light-headed feeling is to crave for - isnt it? However, it is the long-term use of it that is not just "harmful" rather it is "fatal". Not only does it kill you but gets you addicted so that you actually end up poisoning yourself. A devil by itself.

That would be intoxication of the physical body. My main focus is intoxication of the mind.

I once read an article on advertising skills and techniques. The use of a certain combination of colors has a special effect on the human mind. Also, the manner in which the advertisments are displayed make a difference. There was one example of how some brands flashed their advertisments during movie intervals, or between tv programs. Flashing these ads intermitently during shows, embeds it into your subconscious mind. And when you go shopping, your head automatically fancies the advertized brand over the one you previously used. Its inside your head, without your knowledge. Kids being the best victims. Do you find your child attracted to a certain brand because of advertisement? Intoxication? I believe so!

The above example of advertising was to show the possibility for intoxication of the mind. And the fact that some people do actually know about it, and use it to their advantage.

Moving on to the subject of my interest... Music. One that I have recently classified under toxins to the mind. One that I believe does in fact, unknowingly intoxicate us.

Certain music, is soothing to the mind. Known to cure and relieve tension and anxiety. How many of you know how long that effect lasts? It is actually a very short-lived effect. In some articles I read 15 minutes. Some others a few hours. Just like the effect of drugs. As long you keep taking the drugs, the effect is pleasing. As long you keep the music running, its soothing. But what are the long-term effects?

Music is addictive! This is a fact I derived from personal experience, and experiences of people I know. A need to listen to a certain song, the urge to have music running. Your life feeling empty without music. All signs of addiction. Time and again, there have been claims of the positive effects of music. How many of you have read up the negative effects of music? Just like music is known to soothe and calm some people, it is known to instill suicidal and homicidal tendencies is others. It is known to build criminals out of many. It is known to build sexually abusive tendencies in teens.

How many times have you found yourself humming to a catchy tune when you're studying or trying to concentrate? When you're waiting your turn at a dentist's clinic or worse - when you're praying? How many times have you tried really hard to get the tune out of your head so you can continue studying or concentrate on your prayer? Why are you not able to get rid of it? Why does it go round and round in your head? Intoxicating? I believe so.

I have no scientific proof or evidence to claim the validity of this belief. It is based on my observation and understanding.

The thoughts were provoked after my investigation into Islam's stance on the permissibility of Music. Interesting how many like to end by concluding "It is a controversial topic". Not because they truly mean it, but because of their love and passion for Music. Is it not odd, that music is so hard and difficult to give up? I see it as a sign of addiction again.