Fatwa ID: 05149

Answered by: Maulana Belaal Ahmed

Question

Someone gave some sweets as a gift to a Muslim. (but he found out that there is Alcohol inside). Does he have to throw it in the bin or can he gift it to a non-Muslim?

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

Answer:

In regards to the question asked many Muslims today feel that if they are gifted something haraam (unlawful) which they are not allowed to consume or use  it should be given to a non-muslim as it may be of benefit to them, however, this is not correct, in such a situation one should dispose of the gift and the reason for the following is the very famous fiqhi ruling which translates as follows: “what is haraam to take is haraam (unlawful) to give “

Also, something else to keep in mind is something that may be harmful to a believer and not allowed should not be given to others, because a true believer is he likes for others what he likes for himself, so if he does not eat haraam he should not give haraam to others (even though they may be non-believers).

It is narrated by Sayyidina Muaaz (r.a) that he asked the Prophet s.a.w what was the most excellent aspect of faith, and received the reply, “that you should love for Allah sake and hate for Allah sake, and employ your tongue in making mention of Allah”  he asked what more, oh messenger of Allah ” he was told ” that you should like other people to have what you like for yourself and dislike that they should have what you dislike yourself” (Kitaab ul Imaan Mishkatul Masaabih  hadith 48)

Only Allah knows best

Written by Maulana Belaal Ahmed

Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham