The Ruling on Taking Food from a Neighbor Whose Wealth Comes from Riba

Question:
Honorable Shaykh. This questioner says: It is well known that if all of a person's wealth is from riba (usury or interest), it is not permissible to eat his food. And I, Honorable Shaykh, am being harmed by this neighbor of mine, who is neglecting the congregational prayer. I am trying to advise him and show him books and tapes, but I am confused about his food if I return it, since that would cause him distress and he would not accept the advice. The question is: Should I take his food and then not eat it, leaving it until he calms down, or what should I do?

Answer:
If you are certain that this food is from what is forbidden, do not take it. Do not take it, do not take it. Instead, make an excuse that you do not need it, or that you are busy. As for taking it and then leaving it exposed, no, do not take it. If you take it while knowing it is from riba (usury or interest), this encourages him to continue in riba (usury or interest), and he will say that you take it even if you do not eat it. So, the fact that you leave it is what calls him to repent to Allah the Exalted. If you take it, it may remain attributed to what he is upon.