Hijra is one of the acts of worship whose importance is emphasized with great insistence in the texts of the Quran and Sunnah. It directly affects how a Muslim preserves their religion, that of their family, and responds to the call of their Lord.
This article is based on the texts of the Quran, the Sunnah, and the sayings of authoritative scholars. For your personal situation, consult a trustworthy scholar without fail — rulings vary according to individual circumstances.
Definition of Hijra
Linguistically
The term Hijra (هِجْرَة) comes from the Arabic root meaning to leave, separate, migrate. Any individual who separates from their land is described as a Muhâjir.
In Islamic Law
Hijra refers to leaving a land of disbelief (Balad al-Kufr) to settle in a land of Islam. This is the definition given by Sheikh Ibn 'Uthaymîn (رحمه الله) in his explanation of the Forty Hadiths An-Nawawiyya.
An Obligation that Remains until the Day of Judgment
Contrary to what some believe, Hijra is not an event frozen in Islam's past. Scholars are unanimous on this point.
"Was not Allah's earth spacious enough for you to emigrate therein?"
Surah An-Nisa, verse 97This verse constitutes a severe warning to those who remain in the land of disbelief when they are able to emigrate. The angels will ask them this question at the time of death — and their answer will not be accepted if they had no legal excuse.
The 3 Rulings: Haram, Mubah, Mustahabb
Scholars have established a precise classification of situations regarding residence in non-Muslim lands. Here are the three categories as synthesized by legislative science:
Residing without being able to practice one's religion
Those who live in a non-Muslim country without being able to openly display their religion, who have the ability to make Hijra but abandon it out of love for Dunya — for a job, material comfort, or benefits — are in a forbidden state according to the consensus of scholars. The Quran explicitly warns them.
Temporary stay for a lawful necessity
It is permissible to travel to non-Muslim lands temporarily and under conditions for: necessary trade, scientific training unavailable in a Muslim country, or specific medical treatment. These cases remain subject to strict conditions that a scholar will specify.
The scholar who engages in da'wah
Remaining among non-Muslims is recommended for a scholar who goes to call people to Islam, who does not fear fitnah for himself, and who hopes that people will embrace the religion. This is supported by verse 9:122 concerning a portion of the community remaining to acquire knowledge and warn others.
Sheikh Mohammad ibn 'Uthaymîn (رحمه الله) gave a very detailed explanation of these categories in his explanation of the book Al-Usul Ath-Thalatha — a reference for delving deeper into this subject.
What Makes Hijra Obligatory
The Permanent Committee of Scholars specifies the concrete situations that make Hijra obligatory for those who are capable of it:
- Not being able to make the adhan or pray in congregation freely
- Not being able to fast Ramadan without constraint or pressure
- Not being able to educate one's children in Islam and protect them from deviations
- Not being able to perform Friday prayer or the 'Eid prayers
- Not being able to pay zakat and Islamic financial obligations
- Not being able to ensure the security of one's faith against dissensions and temptations of the environment
What is a land of disbelief?
Scholars have several definitions. The most well-known, cited in Sharh Al-Iqna' by Al-Buhuti and in the fatwas of Shaykh Ibn Baz (رحمه الله), is as follows:
“The country in which shirk or disbelief is open and predominant.”
Definition adopted by Al-Buhuti, Shaykh Ibn Ibrahim, and Shaykh Ibn BazRegarding France specifically: the scholars of the 3ilmchar3i website remind us that it is a country of disbelief for both rulers and ruled, where Muslims constitute a minority. Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and other countries, though imperfect, cannot be considered lands of disbelief as long as Islam governs them in its fundamentals.
The particular case of women
A woman who wishes to perform Hijra but whose family opposes it deserves special attention. Scholars have responded to this situation with wisdom.
If Hijra is not yet possible, sincere intention, effort to preserve one’s faith locally, and gradual preparation are acts that Allah rewards. Deeds are only by intentions.
The warning against the love of Dunya
One of the most frequent obstacles to Hijra is attachment to material possessions, employment, comfort, or social status in non-Muslim lands. Scholars have been very clear on this matter.
“Any Muslim who has settled among the disbelievers while being able to make Hijra, but preferred to stay because he loves the Dunya, or for a position, privileges, or because the country of the disbelievers is comfortable — that one is in sin.”
— Legislated Knowledge, according to the scholars of the Permanent Committee“Say, [O Muhammad], ‘If your fathers, your sons, your brothers, your spouses, your kindred, the wealth you have gained, the commerce in which you fear a decline, and the dwellings with which you are pleased are dearer to you than Allah and His Messenger and striving in His cause — then wait until Allah executes His command.’”
Surah At-Tawbah, verse 24This verse is unequivocal: the interests of the Dunya do not constitute a valid legal excuse for abandoning an obligation. Whoever prefers them to the pleasure of Allah is described as a Fasiq by the scholars.
May Allah facilitate Hijra for those for whom it is obligatory, grant us patience in the face of obstacles, and allow us to preserve our faith, that of our children, and our families.
Moving towards Allah
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