Generally speaking, we would like to stress that the Muslim is ordered to stay away from drinking parties at which wine and other prohibited stuff are offered. There is a direct order prohibiting Muslims from setting on a table on which wine is served. ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that he heard the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) saying, “Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day must not sit at table at which khamr is consumed.” (Reported by Ahmad and Al-Tirmidhi)

Dr. Rif`at Fawzi, former head of the department of Shari`ah at Cairo University, states the following: “As a Muslim, we are encouraged to have effective co-operation with all peoples. At work, at school, in our neighbourhood etc, we should be a good ambassador of Islam and demonstrate its true teachings and real commitment.

We are not permitted as a Muslim to set on a table in which which khamr or wine is consumed as the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) is reported to have said, “Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day must not sit at table at which khamr is consumed.” (Reported by Ahmad and Al-Tirmidhi)

Thus, we are permitted to participate in such a gathering in general, but we are prohibited to share a table on which khamr will be consumed. As a Muslim, it is advisable for us to share in the occasion but without violating the Islamic rulings. We can choose a table on which khamr is not served, and I think the organizers of the event will respect our choice as a Muslim who is willing to co-operate but not at the expense of our religious teachings.