Duties of Muslims living in non-Muslim lands Fatwa No: 11316
- Fatwa Date:5-12-2007
What should I do in a society that knows nothing about Islam?
All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His slave and messenger.
If you are referring to a society of non-Muslims and that seems to be the case, then you must emigrate from this country because the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, disassociated himself from those who live among the polytheists without keeping their distinct identity as Muslims, with regard to their appearance, actions, morals and worship. It is impermissible for a Muslim to imitate the non-Muslims whether in their appearance or in their acts. Living in the non-Muslim countries has serious negative effects on the Muslim and his family.
If you are unable to migrate, then it is necessary that you fulfill your religious duties as much as you can and protect your family against all possible temptations and work hard to find a chance to migrate. On the other hand, there is no objection if a Muslim, who is firmly grounded in religious knowledge and has strong faith, lives in non-Muslim countries for the sake of Da‘wah and for the sake of teaching people goodness. This is possible provided that he can live safely with his family without fearing for himself or his family that they might slip into evildoing.
Allaah Knows best.