Fatwa ID: 04899 

Answered by: Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Question

Assalamu Alaikum. I run a restaurant which is situated in a tourist area and most of my customers are non-Muslims. Can I keep the restaurant open during the daytime in the month of Ramadan?
 

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Answer

In principle, it would be permissible to let non-Muslims eat during the month of Ramadhan as the non-Muslims are not subjected to the orders of Salah and fasting in this world. (See Mirqaat p.118 v.4)

However, the danger of keeping it open is if a Muslim who is not fasting comes and eats at your restaurant. By the law of the country, you would not be allowed to stop him, thus, you will be assisting that Muslim in committing a sin.

Allah enjoins the Muslim to denounce evil when he sees it or knows of it taking place.

Saaiduna Abu Saeed Al Khudri Radiallahu Anhu narrates that the Prophet of Allah Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam has said: “Whoever among you sees an evil action, let him change it with his hand (by taking action); if he cannot, then with his tongue (by speaking out); and if he cannot, then with his heart (by hating it and feeling it is wrong), and that is the weakest of faith.” (Sahih Muslim)

Only Allah Knows Best

Written by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham