Advice to the father who sells tobacco

Question:
A student asks and says: My father owns a grocery store and sells tobacco in it. I have advised him several times that this is not permissible in the Shari'ah, but he has not been convinced. What should I do? Please advise us. May Allah reward you with good.

Answer:
Remain steadfast in advising him with a good manner, kind words, and gentleness, because he is his father. If the father has a great right, and Allah said regarding the father—even if they are disbelievers and strive to make you associate with Him what He has not sent down—do not obey them, but treat them in this world with kindness, even though they call you to shirk (associating partners with Allah). How much more so is the case with tobacco? Call him to Allah and advise him with a good, gentle manner at times and in appropriate moments. Do not be harsh, do not be rude, and do not listen to anything but good. This is what is obligatory for you until Allah opens the door for you. Seek help in this from your good brothers, neighbors, relatives, and reformers so that they may call him to it, because he may look down on his son and may not see the value in listening to him. But if the call comes from the elders, whom he respects and honors, he may be pleased with that, such as his elder brothers, uncles, maternal uncles, and respected neighbors. Say to them, between you and them: Advise this grandfather and this other person, and so on.