Title: Going to Clubs... Question: Is it against Islam to go to clubs in the UK, Where drinks, dancing is happening? Say if a person goes to these clubs but does not indulge in acts of drinking alcohol but merely goes to the club to enjoy say as all his friends are going? Is this against Islam? Muhammad Bilal Pakistan Answer: Islam promotes an atmosphere of modesty and decency. This entails, but is not limited to, etiquette in dress, speech and overall conduct. When we are in a social environment we must abstain from any lewd and disgraceful behavior. Men and women must respect each others' sexuality and refrain from any lustful urges. However, it is important to take into consideration the venue one decides to gather in. The setting must not be offensive in nature. The event(s) must be in good taste and conducted in dignity. All functions should be reserved at a level of amicable respect and communion. Clubs, whether in the United Kingdom or the United States or any country for that matter, are places in which people generally gather, primarily, for things that are objectionable to Islam. Men and women dance together, some to the point of imitating sexual intercourse, all of which is highly disliked by Islam. Alcohol is present as you stated, but in many other clubs drugs are available at a mere request; sometimes you don't have to ask, you're just offered. The entire scene is not fit for an upright person and although I wouldn't declare your "hanging out" as a sin, I would offer the advice to refrain from such activity. It's not only the mere presence of these distasteful elements that are clearly against the spirit of Islamic teachings, but our attendance may develop within us a potential inclination towards these things. Being around something, especially bad elements, affects our conscience. In turn this allows us to perceive things as normal when ordinarily we, in the right frame of mind, would consider them immoral or wrong. Keeping the above in mind, a person should examine him/herself well. If we are honest with ourselves, we will find that we would do better by staying away from such environments. After all, if a person perceives a place such as a club as against the spirit of Islamic teachings then why would he/she want to partake in such a thing? We must continually ask ourselves: What is more important: Enjoying the company of a bunch of friends at such a place or enjoying the company of the Most Merciful? I hope I have clarified the issue God knows best Ronnie Hassan February 19, 2003