There seems to be no end to the amount of ways young people try to get high. We hear about all kinds of drugs, alcohol, gambling, shopping addictions, immorality, pornography, heavy mind-jolting music, as well as films filled with violence, mayhem, and fear.

These things might give you a momentary buzz, but any joy associated with this stuff eventually passes, and what you have left is the damage that has been done to your body, the mind, and the heart — an empty space inside that cannot find peace. The more we insist on doing the things that Allah and His Prophet warned us about, the more harm we incur on ourselves that arises from the natural consequences of using harmful substances or doing harmful things. As a result, our hearts become hard as we drift further and further away from our Creator who gave us freedom so we could know ourselves and Him. Alas, how many of us use this precious freedom to destroy ourselves?

Such people would likely say that a life based on abstinence, piety, and doing good deeds would be that of a nerd, that this kind of life is not cool, and never could be cool! It is fashionable to be self-destroying, to the extent that there are even e-groups and websites for people who want to commit suicide on the Internet! But should destruction and death be celebrated? What happened to loving life and living life to the fullest?

Which of the following is better and which gives the feeling of exhilaration, a buzz, or a high:

• A healthy, strong young person who climbs a mountain, reaches the peak, and then looks out over the vastness and beauty from a never–before-achieved perspective.

• An illusionary feeling of a high that comes from sniffing or injecting drugs that could take you either way — up or down.

• A caring and loving spouse who enriches your life and shares your dreams — you both enjoy mutual support, mercy, and care.

• A one night stand that leaves you feeling used and empty.

• The joy of achieving a goal that you worked, planned, and persevered for and finally got.

• Wasting your money in gambling and even going into debt, stealing, or borrowing more and more money as the impulse to gamble takes over your life and leaves you as a lost soul whom people despise?

Society tries to define who you are in many ways. We receive messages all the time that strike the subconscious mind and tell us that to be cool we have to date, wear certain kinds of clothes, and so on. But hang on, who has the right to tell me how I should dress?

If I want to dress modestly, seek marriage, be committed and work hard toward my life's goals, keep away from porn, drugs, and liquor — well, it's my choice! Who said a person cannot feel "high" when two friends communicate well and understand each other? Or when I help someone who appreciates who I am? Or when I discover something unique about myself? Or when I succeed after working hard?

I'm ambitious. I do not only want to get high on life, but I also want to keep high! I want to feel good all the time — from the inside. I want to truly feel at peace with who I am. A person who stands in my own power and is not afraid to live life and give back.