Should I Cut Off Relations With Family Who Fed Me Haram Food?

Answered by Ustadha Zaynab Ansari

Question: Asalamualaykum,
My father fed me food which was haram. I only found out once I saw the take out box.  While I was eating it I felt strange but I disregarded the feeling as he is obviously my father. Once I found out the food was haram I walked out the house and stayed in my mothers home whom I live with. He apologized and asked for my forgiveness but my mother said what he did is unforgivable and I shouldn’t speak to him.  What should I do?

Answer: In the Name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful

Dear Seeker,

Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah,

Please give your father the benefit of the doubt and assume he made a mistake and won’t make it again. Be emphatic about the standards to which you adhere and, if possible, bring your own food next time. However, it is not good to cut your father off. Given that your parents are divorced, it’s important that you not get in the middle of whatever dispute they might still have. Reassure your mother that you respect her point of view and will take care not to consume any more unlawful food.

May Allah Ta’ala facilitate ease,

Zaynab Ansari