Migration from Dar al-Kufr to Dar al-Islam: A Continuing Obligation

✍ Adapted from Ḍiyā’ al-Islām fī Sharḥ al-Ilmām bi-Aḥādīth al-Aḥkām by Shaykh Taqī al-Dīn Abī al-Fatḥ (translated by Maulana Mahmood Ahmad Ghaznfar)

◈ Meaning and Context of Hijrah​

Hijrah (migration) in the Islamic tradition originally referred to the migration from Makkah to Madinah before the conquest of Makkah. However, after Makkah’s opening, the legal ruling of this specific form of hijrah was abrogated, as confirmed in the authentic Hadith:

Narrated by Ibn ʿAbbās (رضي الله عنه):
"The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said on the day of the conquest of Makkah: 'There is no (more) Hijrah (from Makkah to Madinah), but (there remains) Jihād and intention. So if you are summoned to fight, go forth.'"
[Bukhari: 2825, Muslim: 1353]

◈ Hijrah from Dar al-Kufr to Dar al-Islam​

Narrated by ʿAbdullah ibn al-Saʿdi:
"The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: 'Hijrah will not cease as long as there is battle with disbelievers.'"

This was recorded by:

• Abu al-Qasim al-Baghawī
• Imam Ahmad: 1/192
• An-Nasa’i: 7/146–147
• Ibn Hibban: 1579

Though there is some variation in the isnād, Ibn Hibban recorded it in his Ṣaḥīḥ, and the chain is sound in its different routes.

◈ Key Benefits and Rulings Derived​

① Migration from Makkah to Madinah has ended after its conquest — this specific obligation is no longer applicable.

② Migration from a land of disbelief (Dar al-Kufr) to a land of Islam (Dar al-Islam) remains permissible and, in some cases, mandatory when practicing Islam is not possible.

③ Participating in jihad, when called, carries the same spiritual merit and reward as the earlier migration.

④ Pure intention alone has immense value in Islam; sincere niyyah is enough to attain Allah's reward even if one is unable to act.

⑤ If a Muslim experiences hardship in faith or difficulty performing religious obligations in Dar al-Kufr, they should migrate to a safer Islamic land.

◈ Supporting Evidence from the Sunnah​

The Prophet ﷺ encouraged intention and struggle over mere physical relocation post-Fatḥ Makkah. Yet, for Muslims living in hostile non-Muslim lands, the principle of hijrah remains intact so long as the conflict between kufr and Islam exists.

The Prophet ﷺ said:
"Hijrah will not cease so long as the disbelievers are fought."

This implies that the concept of hijrah remains a living principle for those who:

• Face suppression in religious duties,
• Are unable to freely worship Allah,
• Or seek an Islamic environment to preserve their Deen.
  

❖ Conclusion ❖​

While the original migration to Madinah has ended, the spirit of hijrah remains alive for all believers facing religious hardship. Sincere intention, commitment to the Deen, and readiness for jihad or migration when required are enduring duties of the Ummah.

“When faith is at risk and worship is restrained, the path to safety lies in migration for the sake of Allah.”