Q: Assalamalaikum Imam, I was wondering if it is permissible in Islam to have dinner at a place that also serves alcohol even though you personally do not order a dish that contains alcohol. For example: Red Lobster, Olive Garden…etc etc.
Jazakallah khair for taking time to answer my question.

Time: Saturday December 17, 2011 at 4:52 pm

A: walaikumsalam,

Although halal food can be purchased for immediate consumption from places (restaurant) that serve alcohol, we must understand that to eat at such places without necessity or to attain such food as part of mere entertainment is not the sign of a person seeking perfection of faith. We are what we eat!

Although your food may not have alcohol in it, but due to mixing of spoons, spillages etc, ones food may attain contamination from unknown ingredients. Taqwa demands that we eat in places that would enhance our faith, not diminish it farther. Things that are placed in our mouths are sure to impact our heart (faith.)

Allah certainly Knows Best.