This is a continuation of the discussion on hijra that started from the article "Passport Control" and continued under the article "Justice."
Jazakallah khair AbuAbdullah for this which he posted originally as a comment.....
Asalaamualaikum wa rahmatuallah wa barakatuhu,
The first point I must mention is that Hijra today, as I have understood by two scholars (possibly more), is not something which is EASY. There are plenty of obstacles in the way such as getting a visa which allows proper residence.
Secondly, every statement I have read by scholars all points to the same conclusion : hijra is an obligation upon those who (1) are able to and (2) need to do it (and mustahabb on those who can still practice safely - that is, those who don't NEED to do it are still recommended to do so - see the Hijra book for reasons). Now lets not confuse this general conclusion with the 'exceptions to the rule' such as Daee's living in the west, those in need, etc. To constantly bombard the discussion with 'the expections to the rule' is confusing matters - it really needs to be left out. Yes I fully acknowledge that EVERYONE'S situation is slightly DIFFERENT which is important in this matter - practically make/break. However, your not in agreement with the conclusion above (it seems) which is most concerning!. Its as if people have made this issue into the niqab situation where there is a difference of opinion between scholars - you can where the niqab or not wear it - BOTH are correct positions. However, I have never understood it to be like this. To this day I have to see proof that there is a difference of opinion between the scholars of Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaa'at regarding the Hijra (of today).
When I read your statement : "...It is questionable if hijra is even legislated from these lands..." from my knowledge I object to your point. Firstly can you please bring statements from Shaikh Bin Baz (rahimuallah) and the others you mention where he/they make/s his/their position/s known. Every single scholar I know of - from the Grand Mufti of the KSA (rahimuallah) down are all saying (and did say - for those passed away now such as Shaikh Muqbil (rahimuallah) and Shaikh Uthaymeen (rahimuallah) the SAME THING and let me add - in DETAIL - there are NO ambiguities from my research. In fact, here are some statements from Shaikh Bin Baz - and I do avidly await to see yours because they would totally turn upside what he (rahimuallah) issued and said below:
Advice from Al-Imaam ibn Baaz to the Muslim minorities taken from the book 'Majmoo' Fataawaa wa Maqaalaat Mutnawwiah', volume 2, pages 377-379:
"My advice to my Muslim brothers in the Islaamic minority communities and in every place is that they fear Allaah and that they strive to understand their deen (religion) and that they ask the people of knowledge about whatever is not clear and that they strive to learn the Arabic language so they can use it to help themselves understand the Book of Allaah (عز و جل) and the Sunnah of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم). The first of that is to attach importance to the Book of Allaah, understanding (it) and acting (by it), as has come in the authentic hadeeth:
“The best of you is he who has studied the Qur’aan and has taught it.”
Then reading the reliable acknowledged books of hadeeth and the other books from the books of Fiqh and ‘Aqeedah that are considered reliable with Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa’ah, and that they learn all of that from ‘Ulamaa (scholars) known for having righteousness and piety and good ‘Aqeedah and correct knowledge.
Also, it is upon (our) brothers, the ‘Ulamaa in the societies that possess Muslim minorities that they be energetic in the domain of calling to Allaah amongst their brothers and amongst other than them, and for them is the reward from Allaah (سبحانه وتعالى). This deed is from the most glorious and greatest of deeds as has preceded in His statement:
وَمَنْ أَحْسَنُ قَوْلا مِمَّنْ دَعَا إِلَى اللَّهِ وَعَمِلَ صَالِحًا وَقَالَ إِنَّنِي مِنَ الْمُسْلِمِينَ
“And who is better in speech than he who calls to Allaah and does good deeds and says: ‘Verily I am one of the Muslims.’” - Fussilat (41):33
Then after that, it is incumbent upon them to convey this deen to those around them from the other religions because the religion of Islaam is for all people. He (سبحانه وتعالى) said:
قُلْ يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ إِنِّي رَسُولُ اللَّهِ إِلَيْكُمْ جَمِيعًا
“Say: O people, indeed I am the Messenger of Allaah to all of you.” - Al-A’raaf (7):158
These societies are in the most need for this religion, and the caller to Allaah obtains a great reward if he is a reason for the guidance of these people and directs them to that which was unknown to them from the matters of the religion of Islaam as has preceded in the statement of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) to ‘Ali ibn Abee Taalib:
“For, by Allaah, that Allaah guide by you a single man is better for you than the red camels.”
Through this da’wah, groups, Allaah willing, enter into the religion of Allaah, the religion of Islaam, and the number of the disbelievers decreases. Then the victory, Allaah (سبحانه وتعالى) willing, will be for the Muslims.
And if the Muslim is not able to give da’wah in those lands, then it is upon him to adhere to his deen and uphold Islaamic character and manners, for verily that is da’wah by actions and it is something that is loved by those who possess sound intellect, for people most often are affected by these praiseworthy characteristics. Indeed some of the regions of South East Asia have entered Islaam because of the character of the merchants from trustworthiness and being truthful in dealings. And whenever the Muslim is not able to openly perform his deen in the land he resides in whereas he does not feel safe for his deen and his honor and his wealth, then verily it is incumbent upon him hijrah (migration) to safe lands in which he is able to perform the rituals of his deen in safety and comfort if he is able to do that, working by the verses and hadeeths that have come concerning that."
The following question was presented to the 'Lajnah Ad-Daa'imah' as is mentioned in the book 'Fataawaa Al-Lajnah Ad-Daa'imah', volume 14, page 475:
"What is the ruling of working in the countries of disbelief like the countries of Europe and America, and does the ruling change if he were to work with a Muslim in Muslim institutions however in the same land of disbelief?"
The answer: "It is incumbent upon the Muslim to make Hijrah from the lands of disbelief to the lands of Islaam to preserve his deen and increase the community of the Muslims and to work together with them on performing the rituals of Islaam and he will find for himself by Allaah's permission several avenues to earn and make a blessed living amongst the Muslims while feeling safe for his deen if he fears Allaah. Allaah ta'aalaa said (the english meaning is):
"And he who fears Allaah He will make a way out for him and He will provide for him from sources he does not imagine. And he who relies upon Allaah He will suffice him. Allaah will accomplish his purpose. Indeed Allaah has set a measure for all things." At-Talaaq: 2-3
And from this it is known that the act of the Muslim working in the lands of disbelief while he is able to make Hijrah from it to the lands of Islaam is not permissible whether his work is in a business of a disbeliever or a business of a Muslim except that working in a business of a disbeliever is more prohibited because of what is expected in that from more danger and degradation. However, if he is an Aalim and he is active in calling to Islaam and it is hoped that the disbelievers will be affected by his da'wah and the proof will be established against them through him and it is not feared for him fitnah in his deen or self then it is alright for him to reside amongst them to perform the obligation of calling to Allaah and spreading Islaam. And whoever is weak not being able to perform Hijrah then he is excused for residing amongst the disbelievers, and it is upon his Muslim brothers to help him so he can make Hijrah to a land in which he can feel safe for his deen.
و بالله التوفيق و صلى الله على نبينا محمد وآله و صحبه و سلم "
This Fatwaa was signed by Abdul-Azeez ibn Baaz and Abdur-Razzaaq Afeefee and Abdullah ibn Qa'ood and Abdullah ibn Ghudyaan.
The following question was presented to the Lajnah Ad-Daa'imah as is mentioned in the book 'Fataawaa Al-Lajnah Ad-Daa'imah' volume 12, pages 54-55:
"It is not permissible in Britain to publicly call the Adhaan at the Masjids except inside the Masjid. So are the Muslims in sin for that for following the English law?"
The answer: "It is not permissible to reside in a land in which the Muslim is prevented from openly performing the rituals of Islaam and doing them publicly. So it is upon he who is able to make Hijrah to make Hijrah from it to a land in which he is able to perform the rituals of the religion of Islaam and do them publicly and he is able to accomplish working together with the Muslims upon righteousness and piety, and he can increase there the masses of the Muslims. And he will not be deprived of provision for verily he who fears Allaah He will make a way out for him and He will provide for him from sources he does not imagine. And he who relies upon Allaah He will suffice him. Allaah will accomplish his purpose. Indeed Allaah has set a measure for all things. And whoever remains in those places and the likes of them from (places) that there is a restriction upon the Muslims from publicly performing the rituals of his deen after he is able to make Hijrah from it then he is a sinner. He ta'aalaa said (the english meaning is):
"Verily, as for those whom the angels take (in death) while they are wronging themselves they say, 'In what condition were you?' They reply, 'We were weak and oppressed on earth.' They say, 'Was not the earth of Allah spacious enough for you to emigrate therein?' Those will find their abode in Hell, and what an evil destination." An-Nisaa: 97
و بالله التوفيق و صلى الله على نبينا محمد وآله و صحبه و سلم "
This Fatwaa was signed by Abdul-Azeez ibn Baaz and Abdur-Razzaaq Afeefee and Abdullah ibn Qa'ood and Abdullah ibn Ghudyaan.
Ash-Sheikh Abdul-Azeez ibn Abdillaah ibn Baaz said as is mentioned in the book 'Majmoo Fataawaa wa Maqaalaat Mutanawwi'ah', volume 9, page 402:
"...residing in a land that in it polytheism and disbelief and the religion of the Christians and other types of disbelievers are manifest is not permissible..."
Then the Sheikh said as is mentioned on page 403:
"…and this residing does not occur from a heart that knows the true essence of Islaam and Imaan (faith), and knows that which is incumbent from the rights of Allaah upon the Muslims in Islaam, and is pleased with Allaah as a Lord and with Islaam as a religion and with Muhammad, may the peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him, as a Prophet and Messenger, for verily being pleased with that includes from loving Allaah and giving preference to pleasing Him and having zeal for His deen and joining the ranks of His Awliyaa (Those who believe and have Taqwaa) that which necessitates fully freeing oneself and staying utmost far from the disbelievers and their lands, rather, the actual complete Imaan in the Book and the Sunnah does not coexist with these abominations…"
Al-Lajnah Ad-Daa'imah was asked as is mentioned in the book 'Fataawaa Al-Lajnah Ad-Daa'imah', volume 12, page 48:
"What are the conditions of Hijrah in Islaam and what is intended by his, may the peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him, statement: 'Worship in turmoil is like making Hijrah to me'?"
The answer: "Hijrah is leaving the land of disbelief to the land of Islaam and it is obligatory. He ta'aalaa said (the english meaning is):
'Verily, as for those whom the angels take (in death) while they are wronging themselves they say: 'In what condition were you?'… up to His statement:
'Those will find their abode in Hell, and what an evil destination.'
Ibn Katheer said about this verse: 'So this noble verse came down generally concerning everyone who resides amongst the polytheists while he is able to make Hijrah and he is not able to practice the deen. So he is wronging himself and committing something haraam by 'Ijmaa (Consensus of the Scholars)' As for his, may the peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him, statement: 'Worship in turmoil is like making Hijrah to me,' it points to the virtue of worshiping Allaah alone in the times of fitan and fighting and that it is in virtue like making Hijrah to the Prophet, may the peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him, when the Muslims used to make Hijrah to him in Madeenah from the lands of disbelief, Makkah before the conquest, and there is no indication in that that Hijrah is abrogated on he who is able to do it if he is in the land of disbelief and he is not able to practice his deen amongst the disbelievers.
و بالله التوفيق و صلى الله على نبينا محمد وآله و صحبه و سلم "
This Fatwaa was signed by Abdul-Azeez ibn Baaz and Abdur-Razzaaq Afeefee and Abdullah ibn Qa'ood and Abdullah ibn Ghudyaan.
The Lajnah Ad-Daa'imah was asked as is mentioned in the book 'Fataawaa Al-Lajnah Ad-Daa'imah', volume 12, pages 50-51:
"How is Hijrah done for the cause of Allaah in this time period?"
The answer: "Hijrah for the cause of Allaah is moving from the lands of Shirk to the lands of Islaam as the Muslims moved from Makkah before its people embraced Islaam to Madeenah because it became a land of Islaam after its people pledged allegiance to the Prophet, may the peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him, and he requested from them that he make Hijrah to them, and Hijrah is also from the lands of Shirk to lands of Shirk that have less evil and less danger on the Muslim as some of the Muslims made Hijrah from Makkah by order of the Prophet, may the peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him, to the land of Al-Habashah.
و بالله التوفيق و صلى الله على نبينا محمد و آله و صحبه و سلم "
This Fatwaa was signed by Abdul-Azeez ibn Baaz and Abdur-Razzaaq Afeefee and Abdullah ibn Ghudyaan.
As for your statement about the "other scholar" (I presume you are referring to Shaikh Al-Abaanee (rahimuallah)), then he clearly states that there is a ruling on hijra. Perhaps my paraphrased snippet above did not serve as evidence on its own - I did place the two weblinks and book reference for daleel hunting. See what
The following is from Ash-Sheikh Al-Albaanee taken from As-Saheehah 2857:
"And verily from that which is to be extremely saddened about is that those who embrace Islaam in this present time period despite their large number, and all praise is due to Allaah, they don't conform with this ruling of separating themselves and migrating to the lands of Islaam except for a small portion of them, and I trace the reason for that back to two matters:
The first is their greed for the dunyaa and the easy means of living and luxury in their lands pursuant to them living a materialistic life of joy that has no spirituality in it as is well known. So it is usually difficult for them to move to an Islamic land in which the means of a decent life may not be sufficient for them in their viewpoint.
The second, and it is more significant, is their ignorance of this ruling, and they in that are excused because they have not heard about it from any of the callers whom their words are publicized translated into some of the foreign languages nor from those who go to them in the name of da'wah because most of them are not Faqeehs, and in particular Jamaa'ah At-Tableegh, rather they cling more to their lands when they see many of the Muslims have reversed the ruling by leaving their lands going to the lands of disbelief. So from where are those people whom Allaah guided to Islaam going to know the likes of this ruling while the Muslims themselves are acting contrary to it?
Indeed, let these people and these people know that Hijrah continues to exist just like Jihaad, for he c has said:
"Hijrah does not cease as long as the enemy is fought."
And in another hadeeth:
"Hijrah does not cease until Tawbah (repentance) ceases and Tawbah does not cease until the sun rises from the west."
Its Takhreej (attributing the hadeeth to its sources) has been mentioned in 'Al-Irwaa' (1208).
Also, from that which should be known is that Hijrah is different types and is for numerous reasons, and for its explanation there is a another place (to deal with it). What is important here is that Hijrah from the lands of disbelief to the lands of Islaam, no matter how much the rulers in it have deviated from Islaam or have been negligent in implementing its rulings, it in any case is better, even with what it is described with, than the lands of disbelief, character wise and deen wise and behavior wise…"
Anyway as far as opinions go, many will have the opinion that they cannot feel safe for their deen/wealth/honour etc. in the non-muslim lands - so again this is very person specific and its NOT fair to generalise and put everyone into one grouping. Just because one person feels safe practicing it doesn't mean all others should or do to. The "I can do it so why can't everybody else?!" is a myth because Allah has given SOME people better abilities than OTHERS - one man's extra Monday/Thursday fasting is another man's living nightmare as he struggles to do his fard - which is of course all that Allah asks of him. We are all created differently is my point.
ARGComment: That fatwa I am familiar with is the first one by Sh. ibn Bazz that you quoted. Perhaps I have misread it, but there is no implication that Muslim minorities should make hijra, unless they do not feel safe for their deen and honor and wealth. In fact he encourages living in these lands and points to how Islam was spread through Muslims living and working in South East Asia even without much effort in terms of dawa. It is this that lead me to make the statement that hira is not legislated from these lands. I was also repeating this statement from a student knowledge on the matter. Further clarification will be forthcoming inshallah.
As for the fatwa about not making the adhan, I would like clarification. Muslims are free to manifest their deen in these lands in some ways we are not even free to manifest it in Muslim lands. This is a fact that no one I think can deny. As for the adhan in some places we can make it and other places there are time restrictions for various reasons. This is not explained fully to the Sheik.
Still, all this is missing an important point. I have not been and do not question the obligation of hijra in general. My appeal is to think deeply about what it means and what its reality is. In the light of all this should we be so ready to make hijra? I simply cannot agree that the Muslim lands are better however far its laws, customs and government etc.. are from implimenting Islam! In fact such a generalised statement is boardering on the bizzar! It contractics the reality of the experience of numerous people who can testify that they feel safer in their religion, honour and wealth in some non-Muslim lands than some Muslim lands. And I emphasis even the aspect of "religion."
Are we always necessarily leaving worse from better, or are we leaving some aspects that are bad and some good for another place where some aspects are good but others bad, and I do not mean here in terms of the dunya and easy life as Sh Al Albani accuses converts of! My appeal is also to think about which aspects one gives priority to. Thus the hadith about the woman who fasted and prayed lots of nawafil, but spoke evil about her neighbours which I keep mentioning.
Certainly I agree that each individual knows what and when they feel threatened in their deen, honour and wealth. We should not be judgmental about others, and pray that Allah accepts all our good deeds. Ameen
mashallah, excellent advice from the scholars. Everyone knows there situation best. My understanding from both posts, this one and the "much a do about hijrah" is that as Muslims we should try to make hijrah to the Muslim lands, we should make effort, and if we can't then al humdulilah we do the best were we are. The basic evidences, proof and the simple fact that no one can doubt the slow poison of the non-muslim societies has a greater evil and effect then the short-comings of the muslim lands, and we might not be able to understand how millions of Muslims from the non-muslim lands can make hijrah to the Muslim lands but this is something Allah(swt) says Be, and it is. - it is outside of our control, ability or understanding.
Even if you disagree on hijrah being wajib or not, you can not argue on the benefits when you make hijrah for the pleasure of Allah(swt), and all please do not make judgement on Muslim countries from newspapers, becuase if we did that then everyone would feel from the newspapers that any practicing Muslim would be sent to Guatanamo Bay.
If the avenue for hijrah is not open to you and you tried or becuase you were born with a Algerian passport and you are oppressed and can not practice your religion and end up in New Zealand then al humdulilah, that is your test.
In reality as a Muslim me and my family are much better off in the UAE than the best of the west, i can not imagine sending m daughter to a mixed University in the UK or US when i can send my daughter to Zayed University (All female), Abu Dhabi Univeristy(complete separation from men and women), or Dubai Women's Medical College, women only college to train women as doctors, you might argue with me on the academic quality, but mashallah, in my few years here, the improvement in these places has been amazing, and i can only think if you implement the truth and are patient you will reap the rewards, there is certain barakah in these places becuase the muslim owners made the decission not to compromise their deen.
There is now a push in the muslim countries to be morden and successful, and they are opening up, and mashallah there is also still a love in the people for Islam, they plot and plan and Allah(swt) is the best of planners.
all i can really say now is what i always say, i do feel we over complicate our Islam.
and Allah(swt) knows best.
Posted by: Shabber Adam | Tuesday, 13 March 2007 at 10:12
Asalaamualaikum,
At this point I have to say, very sadly, that I am just about concluded with this discusion - it seems to lack sincerity (Allah knows best what is in the
hearts) at least towards many scholars if not towards various people posting. I say all this UNLESS some gross misunderstanding has taken place.
Here is the icing on the cake making me feel like this:
On 19th March ARG writes:-
"...Ultimately calls for hijra for Muslims living in the West seem to me counter-productive. Even if we can firmly conclude that it is obligatory, which I do not agree with, most people simply won't do it...".
But not much earlier in the post above (8th March) ARG writes:
"...I have not been and do not question the obligation of hijra in general..."
WOW that is a MAJOR U-turn if ever I saw one!. Hope a cop car never saw you!. Make your mind up ahki especially when you mock people in the haramain of having "air-conditioned brains"!!. Whether YOU agree or disagree with what oodles of very learned scholars are agreed upon is between you and Allah - it doesn't change the reality one bit - but do remember your level is not like theirs.
Also to say "most people simply won't do it" is neither here nor there. Actually it sounds like downright cloaked disencouragement in my opinion. Like I said in the above post MOST people don't pray 5 times a day. Most don't grow their beard. To that point MOST aren't Ahls-Sunnah wal Jamaat (1 in 73 is a tiny fraction) and Hijra is a VERY major, noble act.
Please by all means have your cake and eat it (i.e. stay in a non-Muslim land because you feel its better for you and others) but please don't try and confuse others from obtaining and eating theirs!!!.
Finally, I think you gave it all away in the main title - just like someone else rightly pointed out "a sarcastic title" - of 'more about hijra or not'. Seriously you might as well and just make a new title called: "Don't bother with hijrah - a million good reasons for not trying".
ARGcomment:
There was no U turn from me. I am amazed that you think there was one! All Praise is due to Allah that you are not a traffic cop, or in any other position that requires balanced judgement concerning people's statements or actions!
Please try to comprehend the difference between "the ruling on hijra IN GENERAL..let me repeat... IN GENERAL...and the SPECIFIC ruling on hijra from the West at this time. This is based on what actaully necessitates hijra. Thus the post "More on Hijra or Not"...was only a further reflection on the discussion at hand, there was no sarcasm intended, only a matter for further enquiry on the subject.
The posting was not my words but the fatwa of a bona fide scholar Sheikh Abdullah bin Bayyih! Who then is lacking in sincerity to the scholars? My level is not like theirs? What is your level oh AbuAbdillah? Who are you to decide which ruling I should or should not follow? How nasty is the way you cast aspertions! Your "hijra", it seems, has taught you neither justice nor manners or increased you in the ability to analize accurately.
Please note! I posted a full range of opinions, not just those that I agree with! Does that indicate insincerity? What a heafty accusation you lay on the scales, however many pietisms you cover it in.
As for what matters in deciding the truth...Is the hadith "Live with your people wherever you like" authentic or not? Does it apply to our condition in the West or not? ibn Bayyih says it does, I agree with that.
Sheikh ibn Baz mentions in the fatwa YOU posted the benefit of staying in certain non Muslim lands, but you seemed to have completely missed the point he was making. It is clear from his statements that Hijra os only obligatory when one is not free to manifest the deen.
As for another matter in your list of accusations my small poem was a take on the poem of Abdullah ibn Mubarrak which he wrote to the Qadi Iyyad the Abidal Haramain, who was famous for his prayers and crying ceaseless tears in the Kaba. But Abdullah ibn Mubarak was in jihad making the word of Allah the highest. It was quoted to me, by a scholar, to prove the superiority of living in these lands calling to Allah. Not my opion, the scholar's. He told me "Oh Abdurraheem, do not leave what you are upon even if the khilafa is established!" And I had a family and children then and he knew it! All who know it, and know it's context know exactly what I meant by that! And yes, I encourage the Muslims with this stuggle, and to commit thenmselves to it, and by Allah I am sad when the able, committed brothers like Shabbr leave this struggle, because we miss them and their compandy and eforts. I however, hope and pray that Allah accepts that from them, and considers it hijra, even though it seems to me something like fleeing the battle field! But I know that each of us knows their situation the best.
Here is his (Abdullah ibn Mubarak)poem, from one scholar to another, from one worshipper to another:
‘O ye who worships in the vicinity of the Two Holy Masjids!
If you but see us, you will realise that you are only jesting in
worship.
He who brings wetness to his cheek with his tears should know
that our necks are being wet by our blood.
He who tires his horses without purpose, know that our horses are
getting tired in battle.
Scent of perfume is yours, while ours is the glimmer of spears and
the stench of dust [in battle].
We were narrated about in the speech of our Prophet, an authentic
statement that never lies.
That the dust that erupts by Allah’s horses and which fills the
nostrils of a man shall never be combined with the smoke of a
raging Fire.
This, the Book of Allah speaks among us that the martyr is not
dead, and the truth in Allah’s book cannot be denied.’
By Allah I want only khair for myself, my family the Muslims and all the people and creatures of this earth!
Posted by: AbuAbdillah | Tuesday, 20 March 2007 at 15:37
Asalaamualaikum,
OK my aplogies for any abruptness/bad manners in my last post. It seems to me then that this blog could/(should?) be titled: "Hijra is not obligatory from the Western countries"
As far as I know Sh. Al-Albani (rahimuallah) did not explain the obligatory hijrah as being NOT from Western lands. There is a recording where he (rahimuallah) talked specifically about Denmark (he was queried about some school/s there) and he makes his point clear about leaving that land. He (rahimuallah) also included Muslim lands in certain cases as he advised the poor, suffering folk of Palestine. Further, I haven't seen any other great scholars having this same view as yours, for example, Bin Baz (rahimuallah), Uthaymeen (rahimuallah) or Muqbil (rahimuallah). The same applies to a myriad of other ulema including the current grand mufti. I don't wish to keep repeating the point - I think we are both agreed upon - but this ALL relates to the hijra in the light of those who cannot practise their deen safely. We know that if you can then its not fard. We also know that this area of 'practise safely' is very person specific and delicate.
This leads me to ask : who is Sheikh Abdullah bin Bayyih - his name is new to me. Can you tell me briefly: his level, background e.g. where/when he studied, who he studied under, which land he is from, his qualifications etc. Perhaps he heard from another scholar greater than him the opinion you hold?.
Wa Salaam.
ARGcomment: First of all my blog has covered many issues. Hijra or not from the Muslim lands is just one that has occupied a few posts recently. It is a fascinating subject and I am interested to see what people's experiences and idea's are on the subject.
All those who know me, know that I am mostly involved in Dawa, and there have and inshallah will be many more posts on that subject. But this blog is also aobut my thoughts. Hijra is something, despite what you say, I think about nearly every day!
I gather from your list of scholars and other comments that you consider youself a salafi. Alahmdulillah! That's a good start.
So my dear brother, may Allah shower His blessing on you and increase you in goodness, is it not a pillar of the way of the salaf that we follow the daleel, and that in the face of the authentic hadith opinions are flung against the wall, that we can take or leave the saying of any man except that of the Prophet? The matter is not how great or famous the sholar is, but the evidence he brings.
In general it is true that the great scholars are more likely to be better aquainted with the truth, but then let us quote Ahmed, Malik, Shafi and Abu Hanifa! Also let us not confuse that fact that there have been in our life time great personalities and fountains of knowledge that Allah had blessed us with that they are the only scholars, or the only great scholars. For example, with all respect to Sheikh Muqbil, I can not count him with ibn Baaz, Uthaimeen and Sheikh Nasr, BUT if his opinion seems to me the strongest inshallah I would consider it the right one and follow it.
Also, sorry to keep repeating this but it seems very clear to me that the fatwa of ibn Bazz is EXACTLY where and from whom I have taken these ideas about Hijra from.
As for Shaykh Abdallah he is a professor at King Abdul Aziz University and teaches usool, tafsir, and Arabic there. He is originally from Mauritania, and was I think was the Grand Mufi there. His father was a famous scholar. I have heard several students of knowledge in Saudia praise and commend him and the respect that he has in the Kingdom, especailly for his knowledge and insight into the fiq of Muslim minorities.
Posted by: AbuAbdillah | Wednesday, 21 March 2007 at 17:24