Can I keep alcohol at home for non-Muslim guests?

No, scholars agree a Muslim should not buy, store or serve alcohol at home, even for non-Muslim guests. The Prophet ﷺ cursed not only drinking alcohol but also serving, carrying and buying it. You can still be a warm, generous host with great alcohol-free drinks.

Why it's not allowed

Alcohol is clearly forbidden in the Quran:

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓا۟ إِنَّمَا ٱلْخَمْرُ وَٱلْمَيْسِرُ وَٱلْأَنصَابُ وَٱلْأَزْلَـٰمُ رِجْسٌ مِّنْ عَمَلِ ٱلشَّيْطَـٰنِ فَٱجْتَنِبُوهُ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ "O you who have believed, indeed, intoxicants, gambling, [sacrificing on] stone altars [to other than Allah], and divining arrows are but defilement from the work of Satan, so avoid it that you may be successful." Quran 5:90

"Avoid it" goes further than "don't drink it". The Prophet ﷺ said that Allah cursed wine, the one who drinks it, the one who serves it, the one who sells it, the one who buys it, the one who presses it, the one for whom it is pressed, the one who carries it and the one to whom it is carried (Sunan Abi Dawud 3674). Buying a bottle and pouring it for a guest touches several of these. See Can Muslims drink alcohol?

"But it's for them, not me"

This is the most common question from converts with non-Muslim friends and family. The answer from all four schools is the same: helping others do something haram is itself a sin, even if you don't drink.

وَتَعَاوَنُوا۟ عَلَى ٱلْبِرِّ وَٱلتَّقْوَىٰ ۖ وَلَا تَعَاوَنُوا۟ عَلَى ٱلْإِثْمِ وَٱلْعُدْوَٰنِ "And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression." Quran 5:2

What if a guest brings their own?

This is a gray area where situations differ. You don't control what others do in their own homes, but in your home you can set the rules. Most scholars advise politely asking guests not to bring alcohol, just as a vegetarian host might say "no meat, please". Explain kindly ahead of time so nobody feels embarrassed at the door.

If you live with a non-Muslim partner or roommate who keeps their own drinks, the situation is different, since it's their property. See What if my roommate drinks alcohol?

Being a great host without alcohol

Offer mocktails, sparkling juices, iced tea, lemonade or good coffee.
Tell guests in the invite: "It's an alcohol-free evening, but the food will be amazing."
Focus on the food, the company and a warm welcome; that's what people remember.

Many converts find friends actually enjoy a sober dinner. See Can I host a Friendsgiving as a Muslim?

Key points

Muslims shouldn't buy, keep or serve alcohol, even for guests.
The curse on alcohol includes serving, carrying and buying it (Sunan Abi Dawud 3674).
Kindly ask guests not to bring alcohol to your home.
Generous hospitality with alcohol-free drinks is part of Islam.

Tip: Learn one signature mocktail, like mint lemonade or a pomegranate spritz. When guests ask "What are we drinking?", you'll have something better than an apology.

Can I keep alcohol at home for non-Muslim guests?

Why it's not allowed

"But it's for them, not me"

What if a guest brings their own?

Being a great host without alcohol

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