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I am studying at a university in Japan, and in this university there are a number of meetings, seminars and parties where alcohol is present. Is there any sin on me for being in a place where there is alcohol? Please note that I am very careful not to sit near it and I do not drink it, praise be to Allah.
Praise be to Allah.
It is not permissible to sit with people who are drinking alcohol unless you object to that; if they accept that, all well and good, otherwise you must leave them, because the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him not sit at a table where alcohol is passed around.” (Narrated by Imam Ahmad and At-Tirmidhi with a sound Isnad (chain of narration)). And because sitting with them is a means that may lead to joining them in their bad deed or approving of it. Allah, may He be Glorified and Exalted, says in Surat Al-An`am (interpretation of the meaning): {And when you see those who engage in [offensive] discourse concerning Our verses, then turn away from them until they enter into another conversion. And if Satan should cause you to forget, then do not remain after the reminder with the wrongdoing people} [Al-An`am 6:68]. And He, when He be glorified and exalted, says: {And it has already come down to you in the Book that when you hear the verses of Allah [recited], they are denied [by them] and ridiculed; so do not sit with them until they enter into another conversation. Indeed, you would then be like them} [An-Nisa’ 4:140].
And Allah is the source of strength.
(End quote from Majmu` Fatawa Ibn Baz, 23/60).