What is the ruling on residing in a land of disbelief if a Muslim can freely practice their religious rites there, while facing harassment in their home country due to their religious commitment?
It is forbidden to reside in the lands of the disbelievers for anyone who cannot openly practice their religion. Such a person must emigrate from there to the lands of Islam if they are able. Allah the Almighty has warned those who wrong themselves with punishment if they do not emigrate, and the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, disavowed anyone who resided among the polytheists and whose faith was not secure. Emigration (Hijrah) is divided into three categories: obligatory for those who are able and cannot openly practice their religion; not obligatory for those who are unable, such as the sick and the weak; and recommended for those who are able and can openly practice their religion.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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