غیر مسلم ممالک میں رہائش کی جائز و ناجائز صورتیں: ایک تحقیقی مطالعہ

Permissible and Impermissible Conditions of Residing in Non-Muslim Countries: A Research Study

Abstract

In the present era, due to the worsening political, social, and economic conditions in Muslim countries like Pakistan, emigration has become a significant issue. In search of a prosperous future, many people are choosing to move to other, more developed countries, both Muslim and non-Muslim. Migration to Muslim countries is generally not met with objection. However, those who choose to live in non-Muslim countries often face various objections. Research indicates that there is a consensus among scholars that residing in non-Muslim countries is permissible for certain purposes such as Islamic missionary work (da'wah), medical treatment, diplomatic missions, education, or espionage against hostile forces. Likewise, there is also consensus that residing in a non-Muslim country where religious freedom is not available or where faith is at risk is impermissible, and migration from such places becomes obligatory. The disagreement, however, lies in the case of those non-Muslim countries where religious freedom exists, and Muslims can safely practice their faith and uphold Islamic values. Some scholars argue that even in such cases, residence is not allowed, citing various hadiths that emphasize separation from the “land of disbelief” (Dar al-Kufr), as well as the potential religious risks involved. On the other hand, the majority of scholars (jumhoor) are of the opinion that living in such countries is permissible.