❖ Explanation of the Hadith Regarding Residing Among the Polytheists ❖
Source:
Ahkam wa Masail – Issues of Jihad and Leadership, Volume 1, Page 461
❀ Question:
There is a hadith which states: "Whoever aligns himself with a polytheist and resides with him is like him." Please explain the meaning of this hadith.
❖ Answer:
Alḥamdulillāh, and peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allāh. To proceed:
When a Muslim chooses to reside in a region predominantly inhabited by polytheists or disbelievers, particularly in situations where:
✦ Such areas are under continuous attack from Muslim forces,
✦ And the Muslim chooses to live among them by his own will,
...then such a person may fall under the scope of this stern hadith, in which the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ said:
"مَن جَامَعَ المُشْرِكَ وَسَكَنَ مَعَهُ فَإِنَّهُ مِثْلُهُ"
"Whoever aligns himself with a polytheist and resides with him, he is like him."
[Silsilah Aḥādīth al-Ṣaḥīḥah – Section: Hudood, Transactions, and Rulings, Hadith: 1264]
❖ Clarification of the Hadith:
◈ This ḥadīth warns against voluntarily aligning oneself with polytheists and choosing to live among them, particularly in a context of religious hostility.
◈ The statement "he is like him" implies a serious resemblance in terms of stance, allegiance, or even consequences, though not necessarily in belief—unless actual kufr is committed.
❖ Exceptions to the Ruling:
✔ If a Muslim has been granted permission by the Amīr al-Muʾminīn (the legitimate Muslim ruler) to reside there for a specific valid reason—such as diplomatic missions, trade, or dawah—then he is exempt from this warning.
✔ Likewise, if a Muslim falls under the category of al-mustad‘afīn (the weak and helpless), such as those in a state of:
— Compulsion,
— Inability to migrate,
— Or lacking resources and protection,
...then this warning does not apply to him either.
Summary:
◈ The hadith serves as a stern warning against voluntarily residing among the disbelievers in times or areas of religious conflict or hostility.
◈ Such association may result in moral, social, and even ideological compromise.
◈ However, genuine necessity or official permission provides exemption from the implication of the hadith.
ھذا ما عندي، والله أعلم بالصواب
This is what I hold, and Allāh knows best what is correct.
