How Can I Retain Ritual Purity While Living with a Non-Muslim?

Answered by Ustadh Tabraze Azam

Question

I live in an apartment with a non-Muslim. What if for example he comes back from the bar and touches the shower tap or the bathroom tap? Is it considered impure?

I also have the concern that my feet have collected najis because our drain is rather slow. Is there any way for me to clean my feet before putting clothes on so I do not get this najasa (impurity) on my clothes as well?

Answer

I pray that you are in the best of health and faith, insha’Allah.

No, you do not need to get out of the situation.

Use it as an opportunity to show him the beautiful way of our Noble Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) by manifesting gracious character.

The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “The believers with the most perfect belief are the best of them in character.” [Tirmidhi]

And with regards to issues of filth and its transfer, you can assume purity. The certainty of purity is not lifted by doubts of filthiness.

See: A Reader on Waswasa (Baseless Misgivings)

See also: Is it Haram to Befriend Non-Muslims?

And Allah alone gives success.
wassalam,
[Ustadh] Tabraze Azam
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Ustadh Tabraze Azam holds a BSc in Computer Science from the University of Leicester, where he also served as the President of the Islamic Society. He memorized the entire Qur’an in his hometown of Ipswich at the tender age of sixteen, and has since studied the Islamic Sciences in traditional settings in the UK, Jordan, and Turkey. He is currently pursuing advanced studies in Jordan, where he is presently based with his family.