Q 2. Not uncommon lately, are general gatherings in Western countries
where Muslims are also invited. Such gatherings are mixed where liquor
is also offered and consumed. If Muslims elect not to attend such functions,
they are, on the one hand, alienated from the whole society while, on
the other, they remain deprived of benefits that accrue from socialization.
Is it permissible for Muslims to attend these gatherings under such circumstances?
A. Participation of Muslims in gatherings which constitute of indulging
in drinking, eating of pork and the dancing and singing of women and men
is not permissible, specially when there is no other general compulsion
except the desire to be socially recognized. It is not proper for Muslims
to bow down before such avenues of sin. The challenges to what Islam forbids
being experienced by you give you all the more occasion to stay firm on
your Faith. And should the Muslims living in non-Muslims countries and
they are not that few could get to agree on not participating in such
functions, chances are that non-Muslims themselves would be left with
no reasonable option but to weed out such disagreeable practices from
their functions.
|