Is hashish considered intoxicant, and is the fast of one who consumes it during Ramadan valid, taking into account that the prayer of one who drinks alcohol is not accepted for forty days?

The prohibition of consuming narcotics such as hashish, opium, cocaine, morphine, and others, is due to several reasons:

1. Impairment of the Intellect: Narcotics cloud and impair the intellect, and anything that does so is unlawful. This is based on the Prophet's (peace and blessings be upon him) saying: "Every intoxicant is khamr, and every intoxicant is unlawful." Narcotics are considered intoxicating and debilitating substances that harm the intellect and lead to its loss. Some jurists have even ruled that the consumer of such substances should be given the punishment for khamr (alcoholic intoxication).

2. Grave Harms: Narcotics have devastating effects on the individual, both physically, mentally, and psychologically. They also harm the family by destroying bonds and neglecting children, and the community by hindering work and leading to the commission of crimes. These harms are even more severe than those caused by khamr.

No rational person would doubt the prohibition of narcotics, given the textual evidence and their enormous harms. It is incumbent upon scholars and preachers to clarify their prohibition and detrimental effects.