Student supported by money from Haram sources
Fatwa No: 82975

Question

My brother has Haram business, a restaurant where he sells food (curry) and alcohol. I am student (25 years) I work only part time. My brother maintains everything in my house I eat food which is from Haram income. What should I do; my father don't want me to leave my brother? My father stays with my brother. I do not like to eat Haram food. What should I do?

Answer

Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds; and blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all his Family and Companions.
The Muslim is asked to investigate about and seek the Halal (lawful) and the pure in eating, drinking, residence and marriage. He should avoid all that could lead to the forbidden, the offensive, and anything that is doubtful.
Muslim reported from Abu Huraira that he said the Apostle of Allah said: "Allah The Almighty is Pure and does not accept but that which is pure. Allah has Ordered the believers to abide by the same thing he has ordered the Prophets. Allah Says (interpretation of meaning) addressing the Prophets: {O (you) Messengers! Eat of the Taiyibât [all kinds of Halâl (legal) foods which Allâh has made legal (meat of slaughtered eatable animals, milk products, fats, vegetables, fruits, etc.], and do righteous deeds.}[23:51]Allah also Says addressing the believers: {O you who believe (in the Oneness of Allâh - Islâmic Monotheism)! Eat of the lawful things that We have provided you with,}[2:172]
Then the Prophet mentioned the man who prolongs travelling till becoming unkempt and dusty then raises his hands supplicating Allah: "O! My Lord O! My Lord" and his (this man's) eating is unlawful so is his drinking and clothing, how could he then have his Du'a answered?"
So, Dear Brother, there are several verses of the Qur'an and several Hadith which prove that you are right in seeking Halal (pure and lawful), and avoiding Haram (impure and unlawful). We ask Allah to help us and you avoid that which does not please Him. We ask Allah to suffice us all with that which is lawful.
Advise your brother. Tell him that the work he does is unlawful and the earnings he gets from it are unlawful. So, he should seek Halal sources for his earnings. He should know that every person will remain standing on the Day of Judgement till he is asked about his wealth how he earned it and on what he spent it, as narrated in a sound Hadith reported by Al Tirmizi.
On the other hand, whoever fears Allah and seeks refuge with Him, Allah will ease things for him and will bless whatever He allots him. Allah Says (interpretation of meaning): {And whosoever fears Allâh and keeps his duty to Him, He will make a way for him to get out (from every difficulty). And He will provide him from (sources) he never could imagine. And whosoever puts his trust in Allâh, then He will suffice him. Verily, Allâh will accomplish his purpose. Indeed Allâh has set a measure for all things.}[65:2-3].
If you brother accepts your advice and abides by it that is what is required. If he does not accept it and if your isolation from the family will anger your father then we advise you to carry on eating with them.
Allah knows best.

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