Speaking on the Saudi TV program "Fatawa," al-Shathri stated that relatives should instead pursue reform through prayer, advice, and removing the individual from bad company.
Why is boycotting an addict forbidden?
According to al-Shathri, the social isolation of an alcoholic relative is not a permitted response to their behavior. He emphasized that the individual remains a brother with specific rights over his family members.
“This is your brother and he has a right over you, so you must seek to rescue him from this bad matter,” al-Shathri said during the broadcast.
The Sheikh supported this stance by citing a Prophetic Hadith, which states that it is not lawful for a Muslim to desert his brother for more than three days. He maintained that continuous communication is necessary to provide the means for the individual to abandon the sin.
How should families approach addiction reform?
Al-Shathri outlined a specific five-step framework for those dealing with a relative struggling with alcohol addiction. These steps focus on active intervention rather than passive avoidance.
- Prayer for guidance: Relatives should seek closeness to God by praying for the individual’s reform and guidance.
- Guidance and environment: Families should offer advice and attempt to move the individual away from bad company or harmful social environments.
- Refusal of assistance: Relatives must not facilitate the sin by providing money or purchasing alcohol for the individual.
- Mitigating harm: If possible, family members should shield others from the individual while they are consuming alcohol to prevent harm to the community.
- Maintaining contact: The original principle is to avoid abandonment and continue legitimate efforts to help the person change.
What are the implications of these guidelines?
The guidance suggests that social support is a religious obligation in the context of addiction. By prioritizing connection over isolation, families may be better positioned to influence the individual’s environment.
Moving an individual to a better social circle or finding them righteous friends could potentially lead to a more stable lifestyle. Conversely, strictly following the prohibition on assistance ensures that family members do not inadvertently enable the addiction through financial support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it permissible to stop speaking to a relative who drinks alcohol?
No. Al-Shathri stated that “it is
