Is it permissible to travel to another country to seek knowledge, leaving one's parents behind, in a situation where ignorance and Bid'ah (innovations in religion) are widespread in the country of residence?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
Obedience to parents is obligatory, unless it conflicts with obedience to the Creator. If seeking knowledge is an individual obligation (fard ayn), then there is no obedience to them in refraining from traveling to seek it, unless the parents would be harmed by your absence. However, if seeking knowledge is a communal obligation (fard kifayah), then it is permissible to travel to seek it without their consent, though it is better to appease them and explain the reasons for your travel. If there is someone among your siblings who can care for them, then there is no impediment to your travel for seeking knowledge.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/51497
Where this answer came from
- Source platform
- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 51497
- Added here
- . This is when the answer was added to El Fatwa, not the fatwa's date.
- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy