which of the two is most virtuous?

[Muwaahid]

Bismillaahir-Rahmaanir-Raheem

Al-hamdulillaah wa Salawaatu Rabbihi wa Sallaamuhu Alayhi Amma Baud! Extracted from Tuhfatul Mujeeb Ala As’ilatil Haadhir wal-Ghareeb [question#14]

Sheikhunaa Al-Faadil Abee Abdir-Rahmaan Muqbil Ibn Haadee Al-Waadi'ee [Rahimahullaah] was asked the following question: "Which of the two is most virtuous? Making Hijrah from the lands of kufr to the lands of Islaam or traveling to the lands of Islaam from the lands of kufr for the purpose of seeking knowledge then returning to the lands of kufr another time."

[The Answer]: This differs with respect to different individuals, for verily if a individual has with him knowledge and he desires to return there for the purpose of inviting to Allaah then verily I advise him with that, however if he fears for himself al-fitnah [trials and tribulations] then verily I advise him to flee far away [from it]. Allaahu Ta'aalaa says:

"Verily, as for those whom the angels take [in death] while they are wronging themselves [as they stayed amongst the disbelievers even though emigration was obligatory for them], they [angels] say [to them]: in what [condition] were you?" They reply: We were weak and oppressed on the earth." They [angels] say: "Was not the earth of Allaah spacious enough for you to emigrate therein?" Such men will find their abode in Hell---what an evil destination." [4:97]

As for the individual who possesses knowledge and he desires to invite to Allaah and he feels safe and secure in himself from the fitnah then there is no problem with it if he remains there inviting to Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aalaa and that he warns his family from becoming Christians. I was asked by a brother concerning going to Britain for the purpose of attaining British citizenship, and they do not give the citizenship except after [one] swears an oath of allegiance and a contract that you will have to abide by the regulations and by-laws and that you Tuwaalee [align, support and defend] the British Government. And Allaahu Ta’aalaa says:

“You will not find any people who believe in Allaah and the Last Day making friendship with those who oppose Allaah and His Messenger.” [58:22]

And Ta’aalaa says:

“Let not the believers take the disbelievers as Auliyah [supporters, helpers] instead of the believers and whoever does that will never be helped in any way, except if you fear a danger from them. And Allaah warns you against Himself and to Allaah is the final return.” [3:28]

But rather it is most befitting for the brother to go there feeling honored by his deen and that he invites to Allaahu Ta’aalaa:

“And who is better in speech than the one who invites to Allaah and does righteous deeds and says, indeed I am from amongst the Muslims.” [41:33]

[Bint-e-Adam]

MashAllah very informative and lovely post.