What is the interpretation of the verse: "Was not My earth spacious enough for you to emigrate therein..."? And what is the ruling on migrating to Western countries if they offer freedoms and rights not available in Arab and Islamic countries that oppress their citizens and restrict their religious practices?
It is mentioned in the exegesis of the verse: (Indeed, those whom the angels take in death while they are still wronging themselves) that some Muslims used to swell the ranks of the polytheists during the time of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, and so this verse was revealed. This verse is general in its application to anyone who resides among polytheists while being able to emigrate and unable to openly practice his religion, for he is wronging himself. The verse indicates that emigration is obligatory for whoever is in a land of polytheism or a land where sins are openly committed, if he is capable of emigrating and is not among the oppressed. And if a Muslim is persecuted in his country and fears for his religion, he must emigrate to a land where he feels safe for himself and his religion, whether it is a Muslim country or a non-Muslim country, provided that he can be safe there for his religion and himself.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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