Should I boycott someone who is openly sinning? What if they say they are gay or left Islam?

Short Answer

Normally, it is not allowed to boycott another Muslim, and even non-Muslims should not be boycotted without a good reason. However, if someone openly drinks alcohol, proudly asserts their homosexuality, dresses like the opposite gender, or publicly does some other immoral deed, then you should first try to advise them. If they continue you are allowed to boycott them if:

  1. There is a legitimate hope that they will rectify their behavior due to your boycott
  2. You are afraid they will influence you or those close to you and this cannot be prevented through any other way
  3. The boycott lasts for a limited period of time

My Advice

It is important to not hate the person for their immoral behavior but to hate the sin. Remember that Allah said to the Prophet, “It is part of the Mercy of Allah that you deal gently with them. Were you severe or harsh-hearted, they would have broken away from around you…” (Qur’an 3:159)

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Shaykh Mustafa Umar