Darul Iftaa Mahmudiyyah

Is it jaiz to live in a country which is not ruled by shariah law?

Published as Is it jaiz to live in a country which is not ruled by shariah law, or make hijrah to it? Which are the countries that are at present ruled by shariah law?

· 24 Rabiʻ I 1422 AH1 min readFatwa 3231English

Question

1. Is it jaiz to live in a country which is not ruled by shariah law? 2. If a country does exist which is ruled by shariah law, is it fardh to make hijrah to it? 3. Which are the countries that are at present ruled by shariah law?

Answer

Respected Brother-in-Islam

Assalaamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullaahi Wa Barakaatuhu

1. Kindly refer below
2. Refer below
3. Afghanistan

and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best

Mufti Ebrahim Desai
FATWA DEPT.

Q: Are Islamic laws applicable in a non-Muslim country?
A: If the internal and external affairs of a country are run by a non-Muslim government, and the government has not appointed a Muslim leader or judge for its Muslim subjects, then it is incumbent upon the Muslims of that country to appoint a leader for themselves if they are free to practice Islam in that country. However till they do not unanimously decide on a leader, it is permissible for them to appoint a Muslim judge (or body), with whom the people are pleased, to handle their affairs according to Shariáh. (Iezaahun-nawaadir, p. 120)

Answered by
Mufti Ebrahim Desai
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Source: Darul Iftaa Mahmudiyyah — https://askimam.org/public/question_detail/3231
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