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Fatwa CenterClaims that Islamic legislations are better implemented in non-Muslim countries
Question
I have noticed that it is always canvassed for Muslims to stay in Islamic countries where Sharee'ah is practiced. But a lot of the people who stay in western countries like UK believe that Sharee'ah is practiced more in UK (unwittingly) than even in some Islamic countries like Saudi Arabia. One example is equality of wages for workers which is absent for Muslim foreigners of certain skin color and nationality in Saudi Arabia which is against Sharee'ah while people are paid equally in UK regardless of skin colour. Also, the social welfare system and the justice system is better in UK than Saudi Arabia. What is your opinion on this?
Answer
All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger. We ask Allaah to exalt his mention as well as that of his family and all his companions.
First of all, you should know that in Islam it is forbidden for a Muslim to reside in a non-Muslim country without a necessity or a sound religious reason. The Prophet 
said: "I am free from any Muslim who resides among the polytheists [non-Muslims]." [Abu Daawood] If one looks to the disadvantages and harms which could result in a Muslim residing in a non-Muslim country and being exposed to the causes of temptation and affliction, then the wisdom of Islam in prohibiting residing with them would become crystal clear. Indeed there are many Muslims who were tested in their religion, and many considered their traditions and customs (i.e. the disbelievers') which are in contradiction to Islamic Law as good traditions. Indeed many Muslims are afflicted and tempted by their women. Moreover, many Muslim children were spoilt and lost, just because of the freedom in the West which has no limits. So how could one ignore these calamities and disadvantages and just look to some worldly benefits that one could get while residing there? Besides, these [worldly] benefits could even be deficient in real life. There is racism and nationalism, and so forth; and this cannot be denied. Therefore, how can it be said, that Islamic legislation is practised in those countries, let alone saying that Islamic Law is practised in those non-Muslim countries better than they are practised in some Muslim countries that try to abide by the Book of Allaah? Not being successful in this life is not like not being successful in this life and in the Hereafter. For Muslims to think this way is evidence that they are afflicted by residing there, so one should be very cautious and not utter these terms which could lead to unpleasant consequences.
For more benefits, please refer to Fataawa 85053, 86405 and 89419.
Allaah Knows best.
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