Should he throw his alcoholic uncle out of the house?
Praise be to Allah.
The problems of Muslims in kaafir countries are innumerable
and heartbreaking. These societies and environments are not suitable for
Muslims, because their values are incompatible with Islam and its noble
principles, high moral standards and decent etiquette.
The Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon
him) warned us sternly against living in such environments and societies,
because he knew the bad effect that this would have on Muslims, with regard
to their religious commitment, morals and behaviour. He said: “I disavow
myself of any Muslim who settles among the mushrikeen.” Narrated by Abu
Dawood (2654) and al-Tirmidhi ( 1604); classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in
Irwa’ al-Ghaleel (1207).
Your uncle’s situation – and that of many others – is the
result of settling among the kuffaar which our religion has forbidden.
It is a great loss in this world and in the Hereafter, if
Allaah does not bestow His mercy upon him.
You have no choice but to be patient with your uncle, for it
seems from your advice to him and his response to you that the seed of faith
is still alive in his heart, which needs your care and concern on an ongoing
basis. Always keep in mind the words of the Prophet (peace and
blessings of Allaah be upon him) to ‘Ali (may Allaah be pleased with him):
“If Allaah were to guide one man at your hands, that would be better for you
than red camels (i.e., the best kind).” Narrated by al-Bukhaari (2942).
If he stays with you in the house – and you keep advising him
and taking care of him – that is better for him than wandering the streets
and living as a vagabond, which could lead him to a bad end because of his
being far away from you. Doing the lesser of two evils and warding off one
by means of the other is what is required here.
Treating him kindly is also part of honouring your mother and
pleasing her, so strive to call him to what is good and try to distract him
from what he is doing now. Take him to the mosque with you sometimes. We ask
Allaah, may He be glorified and exalted, to guide the Muslims who have gone
astray and to show them the right way, for He is Able to do that.
And Allaah knows best.