Going to Europe for study

10-2-2003 | IslamWeb

Question:

What is the ruling of going Europe for study?

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Answer:

Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds; and may His blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all his Family and Companions.

Know that only Allah knows dangers and risks that will face one who travels to non-Muslim countries. Thus, Shari'a prohibits residence among non-Muslims, i.e. in non-Muslim countries. The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) said: "I am exempt from all obligations towards every Muslim lives among non-Muslims." [ Abu Dawood, al-Albani (May Allah's mercy be upon him) regards this Hadith sound. But, if a Muslim's goal is to specialize in some scientific field that is needed for Muslims but not available in their universities, and one can live safely in his religion, then he can travel and reside there with the intention of seeking knowledge. Then, he has to have good company, avoid places and times of temptation and what is Haram, and adhere to the Divine teachings in world and in deed. He should return to the land of Muslims when his studies are completed.
On the contrary, it is Haram to travel if there is no need for such specialization or it is available in a Muslim country.
Allah knows best.