Conditions of Accepting an Invitation
Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. Sometimes I am invited to a meal or a party. What should I do if these gatherings are mostly filled with backbiting, slander, showing off and competing in fashionable clothes, where they make fun of those who wear simple clothes? The people there may also gossip, and I have responsibilities at home. My husband and children need me, and usually I concentrate on my home duties and this is my primary concern. I also want to spend any extra time I have in reading Qur’an or a book that will be of benefit to me. I do not want to attend gatherings where the harm outweighs the benefits. Please advise me. I want to know how I should deal with this. What is a suitable excuse I can give for not attending? Do I have the right not to attend? What should I do if the hostess of the party looks down on me and enjoys seeing me in an embarrassing situation and talks about me? Do I have to accept her invitation? Jazakum Allah khayran.
