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The question

What is the ruling on a Muslim family seeking asylum in a European country and requesting refugee status, and what is the Islamic legal perspective on benefiting from the aid provided by that country to refugees? Is this considered humanitarian assistance or fulfillment of covenants and treaties?

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Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 20261 min readAlso available in العربية
The answer

There is no harm in seeking refuge in non-Muslim countries due to war conditions. Indeed, the Companions migrated to Abyssinia to protect themselves from the oppression of Quraysh, and the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, and Abu Bakr entered under the protection of disbelievers.

The refugee should be an ambassador for Islam and invite others to Allah.

As for aid, it is better to work for those who are able, for the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "No one has ever eaten food better than that which he eats from the work of his own hand." However, it is permissible to accept aid when necessary or when unable to work.

It is obligatory to abide by the laws of those countries as long as they do not contradict Islamic law. It is forbidden to resort to deceit to obtain aid if the laws prohibit it.

These countries provide aid due to their commitment to international laws, to benefit from the workforce, and to attempt to spread their culture. Therefore, a Muslim must be careful about their religion and strive to return to Muslim lands whenever the opportunity arises.

Summary from Ftawy's records · added here

Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.

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Where this answer came from
Source platform
Ftawy
Original fatwa ID
160166
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.
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Read the full answer on Ftawy