Examination of the Ruling on Migration to Non Islamic Countries

Abstract

With advancements in technology and the ease of travel, immigration
has increased worldwide. One in every thirty individuals is an
immigrant, and the statistics for Muslim immigration are also high.
Many migrate to non-Islamic countries without considering the
negative consequences, and some even choose to reside there. The
immigration of Muslims to non-Islamic countries can have both
positive and negative consequences; if religious values are neglected, it
may lead to a decrease in religious commitments. Therefore, it is
essential to carefully examine the specific conditions of immigration to
raise awareness. Investigating the rulings on immigration to non
Islamic countries from a religious and cultural perspective is of great
importance, as more than fourteen verses have been revealed regarding
the rulings of hijrah. This research effectively answers the question:
What is the ruling on immigration to non-Islamic countries? The
purpose of this study is to introduce interested readers to the Islamic
legal rulings and essential issues regarding migration to non-Islamic
countries. The results of this research indicate that, in essence,
migration refers to the transition from Dar al-Kufr (the land of disbelief)
to Dar al-Islam (the land of Islam), rather than the other way around.
Accordingly, those who today migrate from Islamic countries to non
Islamic ones are not considered migrants from a legal standpoint, even
though they are referred to as such in linguistic and customary contexts.
The ruling on this type of migration is neither completely prohibited
nor entirely permissible; rather, it varies based on different conditions
and situations, which can render migration permissible, recommended,
prohibited, or discouraged. Furthermore, legal migration, defined as the
transition from Dar al-Kufr to Dar al-Islam, is not uniform in all
circumstances and has different conditions and situations. Nevertheless,
in general, migration is considered preferable for most individuals.