Being in a community where Hijab is not encouraged
Fatwa No: 88241

Question

Here our community is very small; most of the women do not wear Hijab. Another brother and I tried to advise the leaders here, but they became upset and looked for excuses to avoid the issue, so this became like a wedge between us. Also a brother tried to arrange a lecture from a Saudi scholar, but the leaders rejected it, for no reason. I don't feel like staying with them due to these issues. I still go to the Masjid to pray, but I don't feel like being with the brothers there as I feel that maybe they're not willing to confront these issues because they are in a Western non-Islamic country. How should I behave in this situation, or should if I prepare myself to make Hijra with my family?

Answer

Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds; and may His blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all his Family and Companions.

Dawah (calling towards Islam) is a very noble topic, which was carried out by all the prophets of Allah, the Exalted, the Most High. Allah says:" Say (O Muhammad SAW): "This is my way; I invite unto Allâh (i.e. to the Oneness of Allâh - Islâmic Monotheism) with sure knowledge, I and whosoever follows me (also must invite others to Allâh i.e to the Oneness of Allâh - Islâmic Monotheism) with sure knowledge. And Glorified and Exalted be Allâh (above all that they associate as partners with Him). And I am not of the Mushrikûn (polytheists, pagans, idolaters and disbelievers in the Oneness of Allâh; those who worship others along with Allâh or set up rivals or partners to Allâh)." (Yusuf 12:108)

No doubt, the mentioned countries are in dire need of Duats (callers to Islam) like yourself. Duats who know the truth and stand firmly on it. We advise you to be patient with your people and endure the hardship you are facing for this cause. Allah will grant you a great reward for that. The Prophet (Sallalahu Alahi Wa Sallam) said to Ali:"By Allah, if one man is guided on the right path (i.e., converted to Islam) through you, it would be better for you than (a great number of) red camels"[Reported by Imam Muslim].

Be patient, and continue on this way, concentrate on general people and treat them in good manners. Keep on reading the biography of the prophet in preaching his message and how he succeed by being patient in his mission.

What we have mentioned is true if you can protect yourself from the bad environment in that place. If you fear temptation and you can not be steadfast then it is better to migrate from that country to another, where you can safeguard your religion.

Allah knows best.

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