Is it permissible to remain in Canada given the aforementioned material and social circumstances, and is divorcing one's wife considered an injustice if she refuses to return to Syria? What are the consequences of not paying child support for the daughter if Canadian law allows her to stay with her mother? And is the money used to purchase a house in Syria lawful, given his awareness of the presence of usurious interest in his banking transactions in Canada?
Scholars must be respected and their rights recognized, but they are not infallible. They are rewarded for their ijtihad (independent reasoning), even if they err. Issuing fatwas is a serious matter, and subsidiary ijtihadi issues are subject to differing opinions among scholars. Students of knowledge should weigh the opinions and favor what they deem closer to the truth. As for the layman, he should follow whomever he considers most knowledgeable and pious.
It is not permissible to continue residing in non-Muslim countries except out of dire necessity, while being able to practice the rituals of the religion, due to the corruption and moral decay prevalent there. The Prophet (peace be upon him) warned against a Muslim residing among polytheists. What you mentioned regarding your circumstances is not a justification for staying. We advise you to return and convince your wife to do so. If she refuses, you may divorce her, and you must strive to take your daughter and provide for her.
You must repent from the forbidden acts you have committed, such as usurious loans. Money acquired from forbidden work must be disposed of by spending it on the welfare of Muslims. However, if your work is permissible and the company owners engage in usury, there is no harm in benefiting from the salary. The house is permissible for you as long as you acquired it through a legitimate purchase contract.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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