Answer: We must know that
Islam sees a crime and support for carrying it out as equivalent. There is
virtually no difference if a person drinks or if he/she sells/serves alcohol
to his friends. To my mind, the latter form of the crime is more heinous and
despicable since it facilitates the offender to carry out this crime, sets
him at ease and makes him comfortable with his crime. It is for this reason
that the Holy Qur’ān has warned us not to help each other with evil but what
is good and righteous:
Cooperate with each other
in matters of piety and obedience; and do not cooperate with others in
matters of sin and transgression. (5: 2)
Viewed thus, not only the
drinker, but also the seller and the helper in this ‘crime’ commit a sinful
act. However, it is very likely that any of them may have been party to the
crime due to compelling circumstances. For instance, a person, who is in
dire need and has failed to find a job anywhere, may be compelled to work in
a bar serving or selling alcohol to others. In this case, it is hoped that
the Ever-Merciful Creator will surely make allowances for the person who is
victim of compelling circumstances. He should keep praying to the Lord to
help him escape the situation and provide him with an alternative. This
prayer and his consciousness of the evil will help him retain his faith and
also the desire to tread the right path. |