When Is Hijra Mandatory?
Answered by Mawlana Ilyas Patel
Question
I read that hijra is mandatory if one cannot publicly practice their religion, such as being unable to fulfill obligations or being forced into haram actions. However, commercial insurance, like health or car insurance, is said to be haram unless required by law. How can these rulings be reconciled, as they seem contradictory? Could you clarify this misunderstanding?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.
I pray you are in good faith and health. Thank you for your question.
Hijra becomes obligatory if a person cannot practice essential aspects of Islam, such as fulfilling religious symbols, prayers, Zakat, fasting, etc., or is compelled to commit major sins without any way to avoid them. In other words, if practicing Islam becomes so restricted that a Muslim’s faith is at risk, migration becomes necessary.
These rulings demonstrate the flexibility of Islamic jurisprudence in addressing real-life challenges in different circumstances. The necessity (darura) principle enables Muslims to navigate commercial systems while upholding the core pillars of their faith.
The level of harm from being legally forced to purchase insurance is far less severe than the harm from being forced to abandon prayer or engage in outright disbelief (kufr).
When Practicing Islam is Like Holding a Hot Coal
Anas ibn Malik reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said,
“A time of patience will come to people in which adhering to one’s religion is like grasping a hot coal.” [Tirmidhi]
I would like you to go through the valuable answers and links below. Insha’Allah, you will receive guidance and direction.
Related
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I pray this helps with your question.
Wassalam,
[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat
Mawlana Ilyas Patel has received traditional education in various countries. He started his schooling in the UK and completed his hifz of the Quran in India. After that, he joined an Islamic seminary in the UK, where he studied secular and Aalimiyya sciences. Later, he traveled to Karachi, Pakistan, and other Middle Eastern countries to further his education. Mawlana has served as an Imam in the Republic of Ireland for several years and taught the Quran and other Islamic sciences to both children and adults. He also worked as a teacher and librarian at a local Islamic seminary in the UK for 12 years. Presently, he lives in the UK with his wife and is interested in books and gardening.
