Q: It is that time of year where we are invited out a lot. Some are work parties and we are told we must attend, they are held at retaurants, employee awards in hotels. We are seated on tables in which alcohol and pork is not just served but people drink it like fish. I am Muslim and this just disgusts me. Last night our boss had to stop a guy from drinking. What upset me most was when the alcohol was dropped on my clothing and my wife and children smelling it when i came home. He was so drunk. As a Muslim what do i do? It my job and i cannot just quit. (Text)
A: To attend these parties for job-security does not require one to sit through the entire event. Nor does it require one to be part of something they find repulsive. Many non-Muslims too have stated that they are not comfortable being part of gathering in which alcohol is served. So this is not just a Muslim thing anymore. When Muslims voice their opinion against alcohol, they are viewed as fundamentalist, etc. It is not about voicing your opinion as much as it is about how you do it.
If these events are work related, living in a country in which the employer is mostly non-Muslim, Muslims have to make choices in which they do not cut the hand the feeds them, while at the same time not breaking personal and sacred rules. Therefore, go to the event, give your respect to your your bosses, and shortly thereafter, politely excuse yourself. If this is impossible, ask human resources to place you at a table in which no meat and alcoholic beverages are served. By doing this, you would be giving others an opportunity to learn about your needs while at the same time giving a voice to those who are shy in speaking up about that which they do not value as good for themselves.
The following hadith does come to mind: He who believes in Allah and the Last Day shall not sit at a table on which wine is served/consumed. Muslims should not be part of an intimate environment in which pork and alcohol is served; however, knowing that we have about 7 million Muslims in America, and most are hired by corporations as well as institution that do not share any religious sentiment, and especially the Muslim sentiment, one has to deal with this matter in a way that does not hurt other Muslims who are seeking employment while at the same time creating change through dialogue and understanding.
We know it may be a struggle, and it is such struggle that can bring you closer to Allah (SWT). You need to make choices that would make you proud on the Day of Qiyamah. May Allah always guide you and all those who are faced with various challenges, Ameen.
Allah Certainly Knows Best.