What is the ruling on studying abroad if it requires a student under 18 years of age to live with a non-Muslim family, while being able to perform religious rituals and avoid temptations? Is this action considered a deviation from the law of Allah?
The basic principle is to prohibit a Muslim from residing in the lands of the disbelievers (kuffar) due to the danger it poses to their religion and morals. However, if a Muslim is safe from trials (fitnah) and is able to openly practice the rituals of their religion, then there is no objection for them to reside there to achieve a religious or worldly benefit.
Ibn Hajar said: "And Abu Dawud narrated from Samura, in a Marfu' (elevated) : 'I am free of every Muslim who resides among the polytheists.' This is interpreted to mean one who is not safe concerning his religion."
Therefore, if you are able to openly practice the rituals of your religion and are safe from trials, meaning you will not be exposed to suspicious seclusion (khalwah) or mixing (ikhtilat), then there is no objection for you to travel to those countries for study. Otherwise, do not, for the safety of one's religion takes precedence over the safety of worldly matters.
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