Family, Haram Income, and Maintaining Ties

Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Question: I am inshallah going to visit some immediate family members. These family members buy their food from the haram income they receive. Their income is haram as they have a store in which they sell pork and alcohol. My concern is that I was taught that I cannot eat from what was bought with the haram. If it is true can you give some advice on how to deal with that situation, in a way that I would not harm the feelings of my uncles.

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

Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah,

I pray this finds you in the best of health and spirits.

Only the income from the actual haram sales would be considered haram in such cases. You can assume that most of their wealth isn’t from the haram and can eat at their house. After that, if you wish to be spiritually safe, just give some money (e.g. the extent of a normal meal) in charity.

Abu Hurayra (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Whoever desires that Allah expand his provision and extend his life, let him maintain his family ties.” [Bukhari]

Mulla  Ali al-Qari comments that, “to maintain family ties means to be good, loving, and gentle to one’s kin…” [Mirqat al-Mafatih]

Visit the family with a high intention–seeking the pleasure of Allah by maintaining family ties, strengthening relations, and upholding Prophetic excellence of character in your dealings and conduct. With this, you’ll find only the good if you uphold your intention in your actions.

And Allah alone gives success.

wassalam,
Faraz Rabbani