In this brief account on the issue of migration, we have discussed the meaning of migration, its use in the Holy Qur’an and traditions, and finally, what classical and modern scholars have advised regarding migration.

By visiting the website, Practical Islam Online1, you can also visit a videos page and view various scholars speaking on this issue.

What remains now, is the issue of “Subject Identification” (الموضوع تشخيص) – That is, can someone who is truly looking to act upon their obligations, after reading this booklet and researching the topic, identify that this subject of migration applies to their specific and individual circumstances, or not?

In other words, are the verses of the Holy Qur’an, the traditions, and the advice from the scholars, telling you that according to your circumstances right now, migration is obligatory on you?

In answering this question, keep in mind that you are not the only one who will be affected by this decision. You are deciding for not only for yourself, but for your immediate family, your grandchildren, and your future descendants. Introspect and ensure that you have your priorities clear.

What is your goal? Where is your final destination? Is there a trade-off to be made between the goals of this worldly life, and that of the hereafter?

Not everyone will reach the same conclusion, of course. That is for each individual and family to decide for themselves. Ultimately, we must overcome resistance to change, attachment to our comfort zone, fear of the unknown, fear of failure, the feeling that a decision is being imposed upon us, and some significant cognitive dissonance.

And finally, the choice will have to be made - between a permissible difficulty and a forbidden ease.

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ قُوٓا۟ أَنفُسَكُمْ وَأَهْلِيكُمْ نَارًا وَقُودُهَا ٱلنَّاسُ وَٱلْحِجَارَةُ

“Believers, guard yourselves and your families against a Fire whose fuel is men and stones” (Holy Qur’an, 66:6).

S.L. Al-Hakim

14 January 2020

• 1. The relevant page is https://practicalislam.online/migration