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21 days ago

Assalamu 3alaikom - My mom is visiting and I don’t want to pay for her alcohol

Assalamu 3alaikom. My mom is coming to visit from another continent and she’s not as religious as I am. She drinks alcohol and I’m firmly against it for Islamic reasons. We’re both Arab. Some background: we’ve fought about this before. When I try to ask her to drink less, even from a non-religious angle so she’ll listen, she gets angry. She’s not an alcoholic but she likes to have a drink when we’re relaxing at home. Talking about Islam with her is sensitive, and alcohol is sensitive for her. Ever since I started wearing the hijab she’s called me an “extremist” - my family is pretty secular - and that’s made conversations tense. Still, alhamdulillah we’re closer now than we were. She raised me as a single mom after my parents divorced when I was little. She worked very hard and made me feel financially secure, always checking if I needed money. Because of that and because she’s my mother, I want to pay for everything during her visit - groceries, restaurants, outings. Normally she’d insist on paying when she visits, but I finally can return the favor. My dilemma: at restaurants she likes to order an alcoholic drink. I don’t want to pay for alcohol because I believe it’s haram to fund someone else’s drink. But I also don’t want her to feel disrespected or embarrassed if I refuse to pay just for that item. There’s a place I wanted to take her that serves halal meat but also offers alcoholic drinks. When I visited her she insisted we go to places that have both halal food for me and drinks for her, saying that’s her preference and that it’s unfair to expect her to avoid places she enjoys. I’m torn. Should I avoid restaurants that serve alcohol entirely? How do I tell her I’ll cover the meal but not the alcohol without making her feel judged or causing a fight? I get defensive when she calls me extremist and I want to avoid getting hurt, but I also don’t want to compromise my principles. I need practical advice on how to handle this respectfully and calmly. For example: - How to phrase it kindly when I offer to pay the bill but not the alcoholic drinks? - Whether I should suggest restaurants that don’t serve alcohol and how to present that so she doesn’t feel excluded? - Ways to set a boundary that won’t escalate into an argument. Any suggestions or constructive criticism is welcome. Thanks. Edit: I also worry she’ll feel disrespected if I don’t pay for her drink - that’s part of why I’m hesitant. I want to honor her but also stay true to my beliefs.

+161

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6comments
21 days ago

Maybe pay for everything but ask the server to ring drinks separately, then tell her you covered the main bill and she can handle her drinks. Keeps peace and respects your stance without a big confrontation.

+8
21 days ago

I’d also suggest planning lots of fun alcohol-free activities so she doesn’t feel the trip is about drinks. Cooking together, markets, cafés that don’t serve alcohol - make it about bonding, not rules.

+7
21 days ago

Sister, I’d say be honest but gentle: “I’m happy to cover the food and everything else, but I don’t pay for alcohol.” Say it once calmly and don’t turn it into a lecture. If she gets offended, remind her it’s your conscience, not an attack on her choices.

+16
21 days ago

Short and kind: “I love you and want to treat you, but I can’t pay for alcohol.” You don’t need to apologize for your beliefs. If she gets mad, stay calm and repeat the boundary. Actions speak louder than words.

+13
21 days ago

If she used to insist on paying before, suggest splitting bills like old times: you cover meals, she covers special drinks. That might save face for her and keep your conscience clear.

+7
21 days ago

I’d book restaurants that don’t have alcohol - frame it as you wanting to try new halal spots together. If she insists on a place with drinks, offer to split that part of the bill so it’s not awkward and you stick to your values.

+6
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