On Muslims Living in Non Muslim Lands

Answered by Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him)

Is it permissible for Muslims to remain in non-Muslim lands? Do you advise Muslims living in non-Muslim lands to emigrate to Muslim lands?

It is permissible for them to remain on two conditions:

1. That they are able to openly establish the main rituals of Islam, such as the prayer, including the Eid prayer and the Friday prayer, zakat and fasting.
2. That their religion is not under threat, meaning that they are not forced to do something which is forbidden or prevented from doing fulfilling any of their religious obligations and they do not fear that their children’s faith will be corrupted or lost.

It is better for them to remain in non-Muslim lands on three conditions:

1. That they are able to openly practise their religion
2. That their religion is not under threat
3. That they are able to show people around them the true teachings of Islam and be of benefit to others.

If these three conditions are not fulfilled they should move to Muslim lands.