Is It Sinful for a Convert to Sit at a Table Where Family Members Are Drinking Alcohol?
Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick
Question
Is it sinful for a convert to sit at a table where family members are drinking alcohol?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.
The General Ruling
It is sinful for a Muslim to sit at a table where alcohol is being consumed without a valid reason to be there. The default ruling is that one should avoid such gatherings where unlawful actions are taking place.
Considerations for a New Muslim
For a person who has newly embraced Islam, there may be some allowance, especially in the early stages of their Islam. This is even more so if their family is unaware of their conversion.
In such situations, the individual may be trying to preserve their well-being while still holding on to their faith. This can place them in difficult and compromising circumstances.
Balancing Circumstances and Responsibility
If the person can avoid sitting at such a table, that is the default and preferred course of action. However, if they are unable to excuse themselves due to their circumstances, some leeway is given.
They should strive to minimize their presence in such situations and gradually work toward a point where they are able to be open about their Islam with their family.
Avoiding Despair and Hardship
A new Muslim in such a situation should not feel overwhelmed or think that they are committing an unforgivable sin simply by being present at a table where others are drinking, especially when they themselves are not participating and feel unable to leave.
The Sacred Law takes into consideration a person’s circumstances and difficulties.
And Allah knows best.
[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick
Shaykh Irshaad Sedick was raised in South Africa in a traditional Muslim family. He graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah in Strand, Western Cape, under the guidance of the late world-renowned scholar Shaykh Taha Karaan (Allah have mercy on him), where he taught.
Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Shaykh Muhammad Awama, Shaykh Muhammad Hasan Hitu, and Mawlana Abdul Hafeez Makki, among others.
He is the author of the text “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?” He has been the Director of the Discover Islam Centre, and for six years, he has been the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.
Shaykh Irshaad has fifteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town. He is currently building an Islamic podcast, education, and media platform called ‘Isnad Academy’ and has completed his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy Prophetic living and fitness.
