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Question
During Team gatherings, we will all go out to a nice restaurant and end of the day have to Split lunch/dinner bill with the work colleagues. Now usually, they will order Beef or Pork items from the menu and also drinks that have alcohol or wine. What is the ruling in sharing the bill where part of my money will also pay part of the food/drinks they consume?
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيْم
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Answer:
Before answering your question, it is essential to explain the ruling of eating on a table where alcohol and haram meat is consumed. The Prophet (SAW) said:
[عن جابر بن عبدالله:] من كان يؤمنُ باللهِ واليومِ الآخرِ فلا يقعُدْ على مائدةٍ يُدارُ عليها الخمرُ
أخرجه مطولاً الترمذي (٢٨٠١)، وأحمد (١٤٦٥١) باختلاف يسير، والطبراني في «المعجم الأوسط» (٦٨٨) واللفظ له
Translation: Whoever believes in Allah (SWT) and the Last Day, let him not sit on a table upon which wine is passed around.
Hence, it is impermissible to participate in such a gathering where alcohol and haram meat is consumed. Furthermore, even if a person avoids eating haram meat at a non-Muslim restaurant, there is a high chance of his food becoming contaminated with haram food.
If a dire need to eat at a restaurant arises, we suggest that you take your colleagues to a halal restaurant. Availing the opportunity, you can explain to them the concept of halal in Islam and its importance. Insha’Allah, they will become more interested in Islam, and this will be a steppingstone to teach them more.
Nevertheless, a Muslim should endeavor to eat in an environment that would not harm his Iman. Restaurants are devoid of the remembrance of Allah (SWT) and detrimental to one’s spiritual progress. They are filled with many vices, e.g., music, the intermingling of the opposite genders, vanity, etc. Hence, a Muslim should avoid going to these places as much as possible. The Prophet (SAW) said:
[عن أبي هريرة:] أَحَبُّ البِلادِ إلى اللهِ مَساجِدُها، وَأَبْغَضُ البِلادِ إلى اللهِ أَسْواقُها.
صحيح مسلم ٦٧١
Translation: The most beloved places to Allah (SWT) are the Masjids, and the most hated places to Allah (SWT) are the markets.
To conclude, it is impermissible to consume haram and give it to others. However, if you make the intention of paying only for your food and that the extra money is being used for their halal items, this would not be considered paying for their haram food.
Fatawa Hindiya: v. 5, p. 420 (DKI)
Only Allah knows best
Written by Maulana Mohammad Ahsan Osmani
Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah
Darul Ifta Birmingham