I was recently made aware of an extremely disturbing post on Yahoo Answers where an apparently Christian user  was angry at one of their family members converting to Islam and marrying a Muslim. Upset at the conversion and at their presence at dinner, the Christian intended to spike their drinks with the sleep aid melatonin:

Foregoing the finer details (such as the Christian assuming the Muslims would drink alcohol), it’s the ethical and moral problems that are strikingly worrisome about this post. While melatonin itself can be harmless, its interactions and side effects are not. WebMD lists the following interactions:

Without knowing the medical history of a person, administering drugs without their consent, even if you believe the drug to be harmful is wrong. The consequences of spiking anyone’s drinks for any reason, can never be justified and should not be encouraged. While I am deeply disturbed by the posting and the hatred in the heart of the person willing to put a family member’s life at risk (driving home while on melatonin can lead to an accident, as it falls under operating heavy machinery), we hope that users can flag and report the posting.

We all have differences in beliefs, but even if we harbour some form of enmity or dislike for a people, just as the Qur’an says, do not let your personal inclinations prevent you from being just and upright in your interactions:

“O you who believe! Stand out firmly for Allah and be just witnesses and let not the enmity and hatred of others make you avoid justice. Be just: that is nearer to piety, and fear Allah. Verily, Allah is Well ­Acquainted with what you do.” – Qur’an 5:8.

and God knows best.