Halal Food Guide 7/11: Muslim Restaurant Serving Alcohol, Can We Eat?

So this question basically is assuming that the food is halal. The meat is zabiha, and everything. Correct. Only that the location serves alcohol. Correct.

Now, if you are asking me just on a minimum basis, the basic rule about it, if it is a halal dish you are eating on a table where alcohol is not being served, technically, I would say it is permissible. But on a moral, ethical level, spiritual level, I would say, why even bother to go to a place where they are serving alcohol? Because contamination is a problem.

How can you be satisfied that things will not mix with one another? Especially when you talk about the Greater Toronto area, mash Allah, people don't realize that you're so lucky. There are so many halal okay restaurants in the city that we don't have to worry about doubtful places.

On the same note, the same question and topic, according to Sayyid Sistani's rule, he mentions that it is permissible. However, there is a clause there, in which he mentions that if it is going to taint your image, so to speak, then it becomes haram. Can you please explain the latter part of that?

Well, there is another issue related to it, that if you frequent a place where there is halal food, but also alcohol being served, and there is a danger that your reputation can be tarnished, when people see you going at that place, then so it is nothing to do with the food, haram and halal. It's more about frequenting a place which can have a negative reputation on you. And that's what you should avoid.

Negative reputation by somebody else looking at you?

Yes, somebody else looking at you and assuming that Naudhu bil-Lah, you are going there for alcohol.

I see, ahsant. Okay. Any questions on the gent's side? In the meanwhile, we'll answer this question. Can you please put your hand up again? Yes, go ahead.