Tuesday | 23 April 2024 | 14 Shawaal 1445

Fatwa Answer

Question ID: 693 Category: Permissible and Impermissible
Permissibility of residing in USA

Assalam Alaikum Dear Mr. Scholar/Aalim,

I would like to get Fatwa about two very important issues in the lights of Quran and Sunnah as follows:

1-      I am among those hundreds of thousands of Muslims who came in USA for the better future prospects from a Muslim country, settled in here and have children born in this country. I was told by many religious fellows (not scholars) that living in a non-Muslim (Christian) country is NOT allowed in Islam until one observes some guidelines like change his intention from Dunia to Deen, involves in work of Dawa,  keeps his/her identity alive, etc. My question is:

“Could you please explain this point and describe all the steps one must take in order to keep his/her stay legitimate (Halal) in USA according to Shariah”.

2-      I heard this Hadith which more or less meaning: “Whoever (Muslim) keeps a life-style (language, food, dress, demeanor, etc) of non-Muslim (Christian/Jews/Hindus) then his Hisab (accountability) on the day of judgment would be with them (Non-Muslim)”. My question is:

“Is this an authentic Hadith and if YES then can I have the reference if possible in order to show to some brothers”.

May Almighty reward all of your great efforts!

الجواب وبالله التوفيق      

  1. Yes, it is correct that it is a Muslim's responsibility to safeguard his deen, regardless of where he lives. Even if the place where one resides has a minority of Muslims, making suitable arrangements for safeguarding his deen will be considered wajib(mandatory) such as building mosques, establishing madaris and instituting the work of tabhleegh and lectures etc. If following the commandments of the Islamic Shari'ah becomes difficult in the place one resides in, due to the circumstances in that place or the tyranny of a ruler, then it becomes wajib upon the Muslims living there to migrate to a place where it is allowed to follow the commandments of the Islamic Shari'ah.
  2. The hadith in question is being mentioned here along with the requested reference:

عن ابن عمر رضی اللہ تعالی عنہ قال قال رسول اللہ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم من تشبہ بقوم فھو منھم

 (سنن ابو داؤد، کتاب اللباس، باب فی لبس الشہرہ )

واللہاعلم بالصواب