A Partner in a Restaurant Feeding His Friends from the Joint Food

Question

Zayd, Umar and Bakr — all three — were partners in a restaurant. Zayd’s acquaintances come to the restaurant, and sometimes or most of the time tea, food and the like have to be served to them. And the thought arises in Zayd’s heart that, since several people are partners in the restaurant, Umar and Bakr might think that Zayd’s people drink tea and so on. So Zayd said to Umar and Bakr: “Although feeding and giving drink may not seem bad to you, my heart cannot accept it.

Answer

Zayd’s acquaintances eat and drink the tea and food belonging jointly to all three, and Zayd does not take payment from them; Umar and Bakr also bear this on account of their relationship with Zayd — this is their kindness (ihsan) to Zayd.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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