Question

I observe my hijab properly. But my friends made through my life are Muslims who don’t wear the hijab properly or don’t wear at all, which is normal in the west but of course haram. I go out with them but only like once in a while just to catch up with them and eat. I don’t participate in any haram activities with them, purely just eating and talking and I have advised some of them. I don’t hv any other friends and just stay home all day or go out with my mum, it can get lonely if I can never go out with any of them. Most hijabis here are similar to my friends.Please advise.

Answer

It is not unlawful for you to interact with individuals who may not wear hijab properly. At the same time it is important to realise that a person’s company can have a big impact on them. Hence, surrounding yourself with friends who are happy to sin openly by way of not wearing hijab, can potentially have negative consequences on you in the long run. For example, you are currently steadfast on your hijab, but over time due to their company that could change. On the other hand if you had friends who were strict in their hijab and covering, they would ensure that you too remain steadfast. Hence, we would suggest that you keep advising them and at the same time look for the company of those who are more particular about their faith. Going out with such friends once in a while should be okay as that could be their only exposure to someone practising but you will need to be very careful.

Answered by:
Ifta Research Fellow

Checked & Approved by:
Mufti Abdul Rahman Mangera
Mufti Zubair Patel