Walaikum Salam Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuhu and thank you for your kind words. Indeed, I too hope that Allah (SWT) shows His mercy upon us, as we are all so much in need of it. Praise be to Him for all that this site has been able to accomplish and may He help us further to strive toward the path of His liking. The first of your questions is one that can obviously have differing opinions. In the end it is you that will have to decide what is right. Rest assured that God would not burden you beyond your scope: "No burden do We place on any soul, but that which it can bear" (Surah Al An'am 6:152) However, since you have asked the question it is only right that I throw some light on the issue. You mentioned alcoholic drinks. We are commanded in the Qur'an to refrain from intoxicants: "Believers, [drinking] wine, gambling, [animals sacrificed at] shrines and [food distributed by] raffling through arrows are all unclean, satanic deeds, therefore refrain from them, so that you may be successful [in the test of this life]." (Surah Al Ma'idah 5:90) In addition to this we are supposed to encourage what is good and forbid what is evil: "Those that turn (to Allah) in repentance; that serve Him, and praise Him; that wander in devotion to the cause of Allah: that bow down and prostrate themselves in prayer; that enjoin good and forbid evil; and observe the limit set by Allah;- (These do rejoice). So proclaim the glad tidings to the Believers." (Surah Al Tawbah 9:12) From the above I think that it is clear that both taking intoxicants and encouraging its consumption is forbidden. You have explained that you work in the food and beverages department and that they sell alcohol among other products. You further explained that you are trying your utmost to keep away from this product. So, you certainly do not fall under the sin of consuming intoxicants and I would also add that you do not fall under the sin of encouraging its consumption either. One might have said that you fall under the category of "encouraging the consumption" of this product had you decided to sell it. As it stands, you work in a place that sells this product along with other products and you never made the decision to sell it. You do not necessarily work there to encourage or discourage any of the products but rather to earn the money that you need. Therefore, I conclude that according to my understanding you are not committing a sin in this regard. Having shed some light on the issue, I'll repeat that it is upon you to decide whether it is right for you to continue working in your current location. After looking at what the Qur'an says and listening to people's views, while keeping in mind your situation, the decision will be yours. You will have to know what you think is right. Follow your heart; I think that's the best advice. I hope that I have clarified the issues, And Allah (SWT) knows best, Hischam July 31, 2004 Answer published by Hischam Khan