Hijrah to Another Country to Practice Islam When Religious Freedom is Restricted in One’s Current Country
Abu Hurairah from Email
Question: If a Muslim feels unsafe practicing their religion and maintaining their life under current social conditions in their home country, can that person perform Hijrah according to Shariah rules, and if so, how?
Answer: Generally, the obligation of Hijrah was specific to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his followers in Makkah. Following that, it has not been established as a permanent ruling for the Muslim Ummah. However, depending on time, place, and circumstances, if Muslims face religious needs in a locality, they have the opportunity to relocate to a convenient place. But this is not termed as Islamic Hijrah. Just as moving unnecessarily from a Muslim society and environment to a non-Muslim society and environment is censurable in Islam, similarly, there is importance in relocating one’s family from a non-Muslim society and environment to an Islamic-friendly environment.
Furthermore, in the contemporary world, people are not capable of free and unrestricted movement like in ancient times; almost all countries have strict citizenship and immigration laws and regulations. Changing or choosing one’s country and permanent settlement at will is not easy. Therefore, a formal relocation like Hijrah has not been legislated as a permanent rule in Islamic jurisprudence.
Answered by: Allama Mufti Obaidur Rahman Khan Nadvi
Source: Jameul Fatawa, Islamic Fiqh and Fatwa Encyclopedia.
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