The Position on the Food of a Neighbor Who Deals in Riba

Question:
Honorable Shaykh, this questioner says: It is well known that it is not permissible to eat the food of one whose entire wealth comes from riba (usury or interest). I am, O Honorable Shaykh, afflicted by a neighbor in this state. He is also neglecting the congregational prayer. I am trying to advise him and give him books and tapes, but I am confused about his food if I reject it, because rejecting it causes him to become repelled and not accept the advice. The question is: Should I take his food and then not eat it, leaving it until it spoils, 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. Say, "I apologize," or say, "I am not in need of it," or "I am seeking an excuse." As for taking it and leaving it to spoil, 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, and he will say, "You take it and eat it; if there were something wrong with it, you would not have taken it." So, by leaving it, this is what calls him to repent to Allah the Exalted. If you take it, he may become more reassured in what he is doing. Yes.

The presenter:
May Allah reward you