Is it permissible to eat at a restaurant that serves alcohol?

Q. Salaams. Is it permissible to eat at a restaurant that serves alcohol? Halaal food is served at the restaurant too.

A. As Muslims, we have an in-built moral compass. Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam alluding to this states, “Sin is that which troubles your conscience and that which you dislike coming to public notice.” (Sahih Muslim)

This moral compass ought to have made it clear to us that it is simply not possible for a Muslim to eat in an outlet that serves alcohol regardless of the food being “Halaal” or not. This wrongful act ought to be glaring to those with the weakest of Imaan, yet we find Believers conspicuous by their Muslim appearance, merrily indulging at such venues. If our moral compass has not made us understand this fact, then our beloved Rasool Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam, in no uncertain terms, has pointed this out when He Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam stated, “Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day; let him never sit at a table where alcohol is served” (Musnad Ahmed)

Thus said our leader, Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam and upon his righteous guidance do we navigate our lives. May Allah Ta’ala make us of those who place the words of His Nabi above their desires, Ameen.

Allah Ta’ala Knows Best

Mufti Ismaeel Bassa

themufti.com