Different types of Hijrat
Question:-
What are the different categories of Hijrat which makes it permissible for one to migrate?
Answer:-
Imaam Qurtubi Rahimahullah, quoting from Ibn Arabi Rahimahullah, has written that a person leaves his home town either to protect himself from something or in search of something. The first type of travel where he leaves in order to protect himself is referred to as ‘Hijrat.’ This can be categorized into six types:
-
To migrate from Darul Kufr to Darul Islam : This type of travel was obligatory in the era of Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam and will remain Fardh until Qiyaamah, with the proviso that one has the ability to migrate. This Hijrat is obligatory when a person’s life, wealth and respect is no longer protected and safe in Darul Kufr. If a person remains in Darul Kufr in spite of experiencing any of the above-mentioned conditions then he will considered to be sinful.
-
To leave Darul Bid’ah : Ibn Qasim states that, ”I heard Imaam Maalik Rahimahullah saying that it is not permissible to reside in such a place where the pious predecessors are sworn at,”. Ibn Arabi Rahimahullah quotes this saying and states that it is absolutely correct; if you are unable to alleviate any evil then it is necessary upon you to move away from such a place.
-
The third type of travel is from such a place where Haraam is in abundance to such an extent that it overpowers Halaal, as it is obligatory upon every Muslim to seek Halaal sustenance.
-
The fourth type of travel is where a person travels to protect himself from physical harm. Such a travel is permitted and, in fact, a favour from the side of Allah Ta’ala. Where a person fears physical harm, then he should leave such a place in order to attain salvation.
The first to undertake such a journey was none other than Hadhrat Ebrahim Alaihis Salaam. In order to be protected from the harms of the people, he migrated from Shaam to Iraq and said, “Verily I am migrating to my Rabb,”. Similarly, Hadhrat Moosa Alaihis Salaam also undertook such a journey from Eygpt to Madyan.
-
The fifth type is where a person undertakes a journey to be protected from illnesses that arise due to an unsuitable climate. This is also permitted in Shariah, as Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam advised some shepherds to reside in the jungles out of Madinah as the climate of the city was unsuitable for their health. Similarly, Hadrat Umar Radiallahu Anhu commanded Hadrat Abu Ubaidah Radiallahu Anhu to move the capital of Jordan to a higher area where the water and air was unpolluted.
-
The sixth type of travel is in order to protect one’s wealth from thieves and bandits. This too has been permitted in Shariah as the wealth of a person is as sacred as his life.
[Re:- Ma’ariful Quraan Mufti Muhammad Shafi Saheb Rahimahullah Pg.329/330 vol. 5].
We have discussed the various reasons of Hijrat on the basis of which a person is permitted to migrate.
ALLAH TA’ALA KNOWS BEST!
ANSWERED BY:
Mufti Mohammed Desai
Date: 26 Jumad-al-Ula 1443 / 31 December 2021