Is it permissible to import and smuggle Tramadol, a drug prohibited in the country, as an intermediary for the purpose of marriage, knowing the exorbitant taxes imposed on importation?

Tramadol is a medication classified as a controlled substance, available only by prescription. It is regulated by the state due to its dangers and potential for misuse. Only certain medical specialties are permitted to use it as a powerful painkiller or for treating more severe drug addictions.

The use of tramadol for purposes other than pain relief and addiction treatment has become widespread, even though permissible alternatives exist for those purposes. Consequently, it does not meet the condition for the permissibility of consuming narcotic drugs, which requires urgent necessity and the absence of a permissible alternative.

Fatwas from the Permanent Committee stipulate the permissibility of using narcotic painkillers in cases of extreme necessity if no permissible alternatives are available, provided that it does not result in an equal or greater harm, such as addiction. They also state the prohibition of anything used in a forbidden manner or where it is highly probable that it will be.

Shaykh Ibn Baz affirmed the permissibility of medications that alleviate pain as long as they are not intoxicating, citing the hadith: "Whatever intoxicates in large quantities, a small quantity of it is forbidden."

Uncontrolled use of tramadol leads to addiction; therefore, its sale outside the supervision of competent authorities is not permissible, and governments are obligated to prevent individuals from importing it.