Is abandoning the emigration from Mecca to Medina after the advent of Islam considered apostasy?
The Companions who did not emigrate from Mecca to Medina fall into two categories:
First: The weak and oppressed who were unable to emigrate. These are excused, and there is no blame upon them.
Second: Those who were capable of emigration but did not emigrate until they died. These are individuals who abandoned a duty and committed a grave sin. However, they are Muslims and are not disbelievers or apostates by their abandonment of emigration, based on the verse: "Indeed, those whom the angels take [in death] while they are oppressing themselves – the angels will say, 'In what [condition] were you?' They will say, 'We were oppressed in the land.' The angels will say, 'Was not the earth of Allah spacious enough for you to emigrate therein?' For those, their refuge is Hell – and wretched is it as a destination. Except for the oppressed among men, women, and children who cannot devise a plan nor are they directed to a way. For those, it is expected that Allah will pardon them, and Allah is ever Pardoning and Forgiving."
Ibn Abbas, Ibn Atiyyah, and Al-Qurtubi interpreted these verses to mean that they died as Muslims.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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