Question:

I know that drinking alcohol is haraam in Islam and have never drunk in the past, but I have some friends who drink. Yesterday I was at a friend’s house and everyone was drinking, and somehow due to the peer pressure or feeling out of place, I took a sip of some beer. I feel terrible, I have never done this before and no matter how much I pray for forgiveness, I don’t know what do?

Answer:

Allah (swt) says in the Qur’an:

“O you who believe! intoxicants and games of chance and (sacrificing to) stones set up and (dividing by) arrows are only an uncleanness, the Shaitan’s work; shun it therefore that you may be successful” [5:90]

In Islam, not only is drinking alcohol forbidden, but associating with it is also forbidden. So being in a gathering or a venue (eg. a pub) where alcohol is being freely served, even though you may not be drinking, is not permissible. Sitting at a table where alcohol is served is also not permitted. The reason for this is being in the proximity of alcohol, or around friends that are consuming it, may tempt you or put peer pressure on you to take a sip, similar to what you have described in your situation. Hence, Allah (swt) has commanded Muslims to disassociate from alcohol altogether.

The best advice is to associate with friends and gatherings where nothing forbidden is present or taking place, and to completely disassociate with friends who drink alcohol, and stay away from social gatherings where alcohol is present. This can be challenging for a youth living in the west, but I am sure you can find like minded Muslim boys to associate with who also do not want to do haraam.

In regards to sipping the alcohol, it is a sin and you need to seek forgiveness from Allah (swt). The remorse you have shown in your email shows your regret, and that is the first step. The true repentance is in not repeating this act again, and may Allah (swt) protect you from this major sin and forgive you for what you done. Also, another form of showing your sincerity in repentance is to try and help a friend to quit alcohol too.

May Allah (swt) help you in keeping away from alcohol and grant you forgiveness.

Answered by: ATS Admin

Certified by: Sheikh Mansour Leghaei