My Brother Keeps Alcohol at Home. What Should I Do?
Answered by Shaykh Jamir Meah
Question: Assalamu alaykum
My brother and I live together along with a roommate in an apartment. We are all Muslim. My brother drinks alcohol and hides the alcohol in the house. I have asked him to remove it but he refuses to listen. What am I to do in such a situation?
Answer: Assalam ‘alaykum. Thank you for writing in.
While it is far from ideal to remain living in a house that has alcohol kept in it, this has to be weighed up with the choices you have at hand. If it would be difficult for you to find another place to live with practicing Muslims or you face other difficulties, then staying with your brother would be permissible, especially if you have voiced your objections.
Moreover, having you as a practicing Muslim in the house may at some point make your brother stop what he is doing and take heed, insha’Allah. Make this your intention.
Practicalities
Be gentle with your brother but kindly ask him to me more careful where he puts his alcohol and empty bottles.
It is fine to pray in the same house, just have a space or corner, preferably your own room, that is kept clean and far away from any alcohol.
Lastly, make plenty of du’a for your brother’s guidance. Let him see you pray daily, read Qur’an. Don’t lecture him, but if he asks questions, then explain things to him in a pleasant way that will appeal to his current level of faith and understanding.
May Allah guide you both to everything He loves.
Warmest salams,
[Shaykh] Jamir Meah
Shaykh Jamir Meah grew up in Hampstead, London. In 2007, he traveled to Tarim, Yemen, where he spent nine years studying the Islamic sciences on a one-to-one basis under the foremost scholars of the Ribaat, Tarim, with a main specialization and focus on Shafi’i fiqh. In early 2016, he moved to Amman, Jordan, where he continues advanced studies in a range of Islamic sciences, as well as teaching. Jamir is a qualified homeopath.
