Is it Permissible to Live in a Non-Muslim Country for Islamic Support?
Working In a Non-Muslim Country To Support Students Overseas
The questioner mentions that he holds American citizenship and used to work in the U.S., and would often return to Yemen. He had initially decided to leave the U.S. permanently, but after observing the difficult circumstances faced by Salafi centers in Yemen and the financial struggles of students of knowledge, he reconsidered. Now, he plans to return to the U.S. to earn money and support students who are spreading the teachings of the Sunnah. He also manages a masjid in the U.S., where he delivers sermons and teaches people about the Sunnah and the Salafi Da‘wah. He seeks advice on whether it is permissible to return to the U.S. for this purpose and asks for guidance.
Sheikh Yahya ibn Ali Al-Hajoori ḥafidhahullāh (paraphrasing):
I advise against returning to a non-Muslim country for this purpose, and I strongly discourage obtaining their citizenship. The majority of scholars have ruled that it is forbidden to acquire the citizenship of non-Muslim countries. Recently, we published a treatise discussing the prohibition of obtaining citizenship from disbelievers. Allāh says (interpreted meaning): “Do not be like the Polytheists, those who forgot Allāh, thus He caused them to forget themselves.” Likewise, the Prophet ﷺ also forbade living among disbelievers, saying that their fires (i.e., homes) should not be close to one another, meaning that Muslims should avoid residing among them. Migration (hijrah) was prescribed to maintain a clear distinction between Muslims and disbelievers, and there is numerous evidence that supports this.
Obtaining the citizenship of disbelievers leads to various harms: it increases their influence, fosters exposure to their culture, and requires acceptance of their man-made legal systems. Often, taking citizenship involves swearing allegiance to their laws, which is problematic. Our Sheikh (Muqbil), may Allāh have mercy on him, was asked about this, and he said it is not permissible. We have included his Fatwa in our collection of fatwas that prohibit taking the nationality of disbelievers. Additionally, living among them can make it difficult to uphold Islamic principles, such as forbidding evil, especially when it comes to raising children. You, as the parent, may be okay in terms of practicing your religion, but it may not be the same for your children. They may be forced into schools that teach forbidden subjects and promote values contrary to Islamic beliefs, including sexual education.
For example, during a lecture in Cardiff, I only saw elderly attendees while the youth were absent. I enquired about that and an elder explained that they were out with the opposite gender, implying that many are distracted by play & social interactions. Some parents have shared stories of being forced to send their children to schools, despite their concerns, as the authorities intervene when parents try to resist. In such societies, it is difficult to prevent one’s children from engaging in haram relationships or other behaviors as these are considered personal freedoms.
Given these challenges, it is difficult to justify living in such environments or acquiring their citizenship, especially when one risks dying among disbelievers. So, I advise you not to take their citizenship. There is still goodness in the Muslim lands. Allāh says: “O My servants who have believed, indeed My earth is spacious, so worship Me alone” [Al-Ankabut 56). And He says: “As for those who remain among disbelievers and oppress themselves by doing so, the angels will ask them: “Was not the earth of Allah spacious enough for you to emigrate?” [An-Nisa 97].
Allāh pardons those who are truly unable to leave, but those who have the ability to migrate and remain among disbelievers, exposing themselves to their corruption, should seek to leave. The Muslim lands, despite their hardships & fitan, still allow for the open practice of Islam, so it is better for you to live there, observing proper Islamic conduct.
Get your paperwork sorted and live among the Muslims. This is better for you.
Returning to America solely to support Islamic centers and students of knowledge is not a valid reason. Safeguarding your religion and your well-being is far more important than earning money for optional charity. Ensuring your safety from trials and temptations should be your priority. The Prophet ﷺ warned that there will come a time when the best wealth of a Muslim will be his sheep, which he takes to the mountain tops, fleeing from trials and corruption. Those who avoid such trials are truly fortunate, as the dangers of interacting with disbelievers, engaging in free-mixed environments, and facing temptations are very real.
In today’s world, there is a widespread effort to feminise men, especially the younger generation. This agenda is promoted in schools, hospitals, and other institutions, and parents are often powerless to prevent it. We’ve even heard of cases where a man sent his child to school, only to discover that his son was being encouraged by teachers to change his gender. When the father confronted the authorities, they told him he had no right to interfere, and that he could face legal consequences for interfering with his son’s decision. The father, in desperation, agreed outwardly but later fled the country to protect his child.
Such environments pose significant risks to one’s belief and family. Given your ability to move to a place where you can worship Allāh freely and avoid these challenges, it is neither appropriate nor permissible to remain in such a society. Recently, we published a concise treatise on the rulings regarding migration and acquiring the nationality of disbelievers, for those who are interested.
غاية الاختصار في الهجرة وحكم التجنس بجنسية الكفار.