Can I Partake of Meals of One Who’s Earnings are Not Halal?

Question:

I have a good friend who is full of taqwa, but her husbands earnings are not halal, maybe except for very little. it worries me when she offers me something to eat or drink when i visit her or when comes to visit me.i sometimes make niyyah i will get her something in return for the value of things she offered me,but still this bothers me.how can i deal in this situation?

Answer:

In the Name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-raḥmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.

At the outset, we wish to commend you for your enthusiasm and zeal in preserving and protecting yourself from nourishing your body with Haraam. This is indeed is praiseworthy trait and characteristic in today’s day and age of religious decline.

With regards to your question;

1. If the majority of your friend’s husband’s earnings are of an impermissible nature, then it is not permissible for you to consume any food offered by such a person.

2. However, if the majority of your friend’s husband’s earnings are of a permissible nature, then it is permissible for one to consume any food offered by such a person.[1] However, you should refrain from consuming the food of such a person as a matter of precaution and Taqwaa.

We advise you to approach the matter in a diplomatic and cautious manner. Obtain some brochures on the virtues of earning a Halal income and give them to your friend who may display them within the view of her husband. This may have a positive impact on him and encourage him to change for the better.

And Allah Ta‘ālā Knows Best

Moulana Ismail Desai,
Durban, South Africa

Checked and Approved by,
Mufti Ebrahim Desai.