This month’s question:

I have been invited to a post-office function after work. It seems expected that I go, but people will be drinking there. What should I do?

Conservative Guy:

Asalamualikum. I can understand your concerns about the office events. Work is an important part of life. Of course the presence of alcohol at this function changes things. As such, I doubt that this is actually a mandatory function.

I can imagine that this will be difficult when people recount the events of the party and they fun they had there. Much of this ‘fun’ will undoubtedly involve indiscretions committed by your co-workers under the influence of alcohol.

In surah al-Baqarah (The Cow), the Quran says,  “They ask you concerning wine and gambling. Say: ‘In them is great sin, and some profit, for men; but the sin is greater than the profit.’” [2:219]

Here you can see the wisdom- it’s not as though the Quran failed to recognize there are some things about alcohol that are appealing. In fact, the verse shows that the Quran is aware of its benefits and allure. Of course, Islam has prohibited alcohol because of the great sin involved - many times greater than any benefits. And you can see the effects of alcohol on our society - the diseases of alcoholism, physical abuse, drunk driving, fetal alcohol syndrome and many, many other societal ills.

You may now be thinking that even if tempted or pressured, you won’t drink at the party. Because of that, you may think that it is fine for you to attend. The Quran says: “O who you believe! Intoxicants and gambling and idols and (lottery by) arrows are an abomination of Satan’s work, so avoid them so that you may get salvation.” [Surah Ma’idah; 5:90,91]

The direction is to avoid alcohol and gambling. Even if you do not give into peer pressure, you can still be affected by those drinking around you. Drunk people are belligerent, reckless and unpredictable - and it’s easy to get caught in their crossfire. You cannot fairly say that you are avoiding alcohol while surrounded by it any more than you can say are avoiding gambling while walking in a casino.  Avoid it altogether and do not attend.

Although it may be awkward not to attend these events and you may be the only one not attending, that is quite alright. You are a Muslim and you have a different identity from the others, so be proud of your difference! 

Progressive Gal:

Life is about relationships. Making them, building them, managing them. The workplace isn’t any different. It’s not enough to do your particular tasks effectively if you want to get ahead. Relationships matter. Increasingly relationships are built at office functions and those relationships spill over into your working life. In our society, alcohol is prevalent as most of these events. Should you still attend? I think you can. You know the functions that are really important and you should know where to draw the line when you are at them.

Here are a few tips to help you survive the office function.

Grab a drink: Not an alcoholic drink of course…but there’s nothing more awkward than being in a conversation when everyone has a drink in their hand and you don’t. Soft drinks are as bad for your teeth as they are on your waistline, plus they are often served in huge, ugly plastic cups. Sparking water is much better (Perrier, Pellegrino or Vos) or mix things up with a mocktail - cranberry and seven-up, orange juice and ginger ale or a Shirley Temple.

Mingle: You’re at the party to talk to people and get noticed, so talk to people and get noticed! The key is to float around the room getting involved in different conversations but not staying involved in any particular conversation for too long. The last thing you want to being doing is sitting in a corner nibbling your straw while people pound down beers around you.

Leave Early: You can go to the party but you don’t have to shut it down. Come late, leave early and make the most of the time you’re there. The end of the night, when the booze really starts to hit people, is no place you want to be. The reasons why Islam said no to alcohol will become very obvious. At best, there will be a few uncomfortable situations, and at worst, it can be downright dangerous!

Office functions are a great way to get to know co-workers other business contacts on a more personal level. Take advantage of the opportunity, but don’t let the opportunity take advantage of you!