Not Following the Rules of a Country Fatwa No: 86243
- Fatwa Date:14-9-2003
What is the ruling of Islam about a person who does not follow the rules and regulation of a country? For example, he migrates by changing his name and photo in the passport or absconds and ignores custom duty. Hence such rules are man made, so, is it compulsory to follow them?
All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.
Living in a non-Muslim country without any pressing need is not permissible.
For more benefit on Muslims living in non-Muslim countries, please refer to Fataawa 81142, 81464, 81642, 86405, 377986, 369667, 89879, and 88291.
Changing the name, or picture in a passport for any valid purpose that does not harm others is permissible in general. Also, doing so for a legal journey is also permissible.
Know that respecting the rules and regulations of a country where a person lives is compulsory on that person, as long as these rules do not contradict the Islamic rulings.
For more benefit on paying or evading taxes, please refer to Fataawa 212143, 203644, 85356, 91173, 84560, 89947, 129786, 196021, and 316597.
Allah knows best.