In the name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful.
As Muslims in the West, many of us are feeling uneasy about our future and the environment we’re raising our families in. The growing normalization of cultural values at odds with our faith—be it the push of certain ideologies in schools, rising anti-Muslim sentiment, or direct complicity in oppression abroad—has left our hearts heavy. The recent atrocities against Palestinians have only made it clearer for many that our societies aren’t as just as we once believed. This has sparked renewed conversations: Should we consider hijra—migrating for the sake of Allah? Let’s walk through the key issues you should consider before making such a life-changing decision.
Hijra: More Than Just Moving
The idea of hijra (migration for Allah’s sake) isn’t just about physically moving from one country to another; it begins with the heart. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ described true migration as moving closer to Allah, not just relocating your body. Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya, a renowned scholar, taught that the most important migration is internal: moving your heart’s focus from anything and anyone besides Allah, to Allah alone. Physical hijra is only meaningful if this spiritual journey comes first.
That said, where you live undeniably shapes your spiritual and personal growth. The culture and environment around you will always influence your beliefs, habits, and your children’s development. It’s no wonder that many parents instinctively want their families immersed in an environment that reinforces Islamic values. Still, it’s important to remember: positive spiritual growth is possible anywhere, as many Muslims in the West have shown by building vibrant communities, mosques, and schools.
Start With Honest Self-Assessment
Islamic scholars differ in their rulings about hijra, but a key principle is this: If you can openly practice your faith and don’t fear losing it, hijra is not obligatory. But if your faith or the faith of your family is at risk, it might be necessary.
Ask yourself difficult but honest questions:
- Is there a strong Muslim community where I live?
- Do I have access to Islamic education and resources?
- Is the environment safe and supportive for my family’s faith?
- Am I able to earn a halal income?
- Do I play an active role in sharing Islam and supporting my community?
If the answer to most of these is “yes,” relocating may just be personal preference. If “no,” it’s time to consider hijra more seriously.
Know Your Options
Hijra doesn’t always have to mean moving to another country. Sometimes, relocating to a more supportive city or neighborhood within your own country can have a positive impact. Other times, it might mean migrating to a Muslim-majority country or to a place that is more accommodating and welcoming to Muslims—even if it’s not perfect.
Bear in mind: no place is perfect. The Muslim world faces its own economic, political, and social challenges. Immigration laws and practical hurdles abound, and it’s unrealistic to expect everything to be easy or ideal.
The Benefits of Hijra
When you shift your perspective away from immediate worldly perks and look to the long-term health of your faith and family, the potential benefits of hijra become clearer. For one, living in a Muslim environment can help you and your children become more connected to the ummah (global Muslim community) and less influenced by Western cultural superiority narratives. Highly educated Muslims returning to the Muslim world can contribute valuable skills that help develop their societies. Spiritually, simple blessings like hearing the adhan or participating in daily congregational prayers can be transformative. Living among fellow believers often makes it easier to practice Islam and maintain your heritage and language.
Being Realistic About The Challenges
No major life decision is free of uncertainty. Making hijra can be daunting, often involving emotional, cultural, financial, and legal difficulties. Adjusting to a new culture, finding a job, dealing with immigration procedures, and maintaining family ties are real considerations. It helps to approach hijra as a journey—sometimes temporary, always flexible, and never “all or nothing.” For those not ready to move, regular visits to Muslim countries can help you and your family acclimate gradually and stay connected, making a potential future move less overwhelming.
Take the Next Step Thoughtfully
Remember: hijra isn’t a guarantee that all your problems will dissolve. Nowhere is perfect, and every society has its flaws and its benefits. Set realistic expectations, prepare thoroughly, and don’t be afraid to return if things don’t work out. The door back home is (for most) always open.
If you choose to move, start honest conversations early with your family, as their support and understanding are essential. For those deeply involved in Muslim community work in the West, weighing the pros and cons can be especially tough—there’s great reward both in staying to serve and in seeking a better environment for your faith.
Above all else, seek Allah’s guidance, pray istikhara, and take your next steps with sincerity and trust. Your journey—internal and external—is ultimately between you and your Creator. May Allah guide us to what is best for our faith, our families, and the ummah.
