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What is the ruling concerning a Muslim who embraced Islam in a land of disbelievers, and does he fall under the Hadith: "I am free of any Muslim who resides among the polytheists," and is migration obligatory upon him?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

If a person embraces Islam in a land of disbelief and is unable to openly practice their religion and its rituals, or fears temptation (fitna) for themselves, then migration (Hijra) becomes obligatory upon them, due to the Prophet's ﷺ saying: "I am free of any Muslim who resides among the polytheists."

However, if they are able to openly practice their religion and perform its rituals, then migration is recommended for them but not obligatory, so that they may engage in jihad against the disbelievers, increase the Muslim population, and assist them.

And if they are able to openly practice their religion, are safe from temptation, and engage in calling people to Allah and teaching Muslims the affairs of their religion, then they should remain and not migrate; because their stay serves a greater benefit, just as the Prophet ﷺ commanded Malik ibn al-Huwayrith and his companions to return to their families to teach them, and as he said to a Bedouin who asked him about migration: "Work from beyond the seas, for Allah will not diminish anything from your deeds."

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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