A man who used narcotics then repented to Allah; what is your advice for him and for anyone in a similar situation?

The questioner : A man had the habit of using some narcotics, but he repented and Allah guided him to the straight path. What is your guidance for him and for anyone in a similar situation regarding this matter? If he owes people money from these narcotics, or if people are demanding money from him because of these narcotics, should he take the money that is his and pay off what he owes, even though it is due to the narcotics?

The Shaykh : First: We congratulate this man, whom Allah has granted the gift of rectitude, for leaving the base matters and the things that destroy souls. We say: Thank Allah for this deliverance with which He has delivered you.
Second: Everything he earned through this forbidden path is forbidden for him. However, regarding what is in his possession, Allah the Exalted said: . Except for the narcotics themselves, if he has any, it is obligatory for him to destroy them. As for what is in the debts of people, he should take it from them, but he must give it in charity to rid himself of it, not to draw near to Allah with it. He cannot leave it with the people, for that would result in both the consideration and the thing considered coming together. Rather, we say: Take from them what is in their debts and give it in charity. Do not add it to your wealth. Give it in charity to rid yourself of it, and by that the problem is resolved. As for what he owes people for the price of these narcotics, he may refuse to pay it and say, "I will not pay you. This is something forbidden, and the forbidden has no value in the Shari'ah." However, in this case, he should give in charity the value of what he took from people for these narcotics, so that the consideration and the thing considered do not come together in his right. Yes.