Wants to make Hijrah but is concerned about her aged non-Muslim mother
25-4-2005 | IslamWeb
Question:
I am a revert to Islam and my husband is from an Islamic country. We both want to live in his country but I have a concern about where my biggest duty is. I know that as a Muslim I must move to an Islamic country. My mother used to live with us but moved out because she said she could not practice her religion (Catholicism) in our house (I asked her to not bring Haraam meat, such as pork, and alcohol into the house). Even though she now lives apart from us I do as much as I can to help and support her as she is in her 80s. My husband and I have made considerable Da'wa with her but she is up to now resisting accepting Islam. My concern is that I feel torn in which duty to Allaah has precedence, my duty to my mother or my duty to make Hijrah. Please can you advise me?
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, we congratulate you for becoming a Muslim and we ask Allaah to make you firm and steadfast on His religion until the day you meet Him. Furthermore we ask Allaah to reward you for your zeal about your religion and for being keen on performing your duty towards your mother.
You have to know that migration from a non-Muslim country to a Muslim country differs according to circumstances and times. On one hand, migration might be obligatory in some cases and at particular times, but it could be desirable at some other cases and times. On the other hand, we are urged in Islam to be kind and dutiful to the parents even if they are non-Muslims. Allaah says (which means): {But if they endeavour to make you associate with Me that of which you have no knowledge, do not obey them but accompany them in [this] world with appropriate kindness.}[Qur'an 31:15]. Since a Muslim in a non-Muslim country is most likely exposed to be temped in his religion, especially in relation to the right of the children, then we see that it is more appropriate to preserve your religion by migrating.
Allaah knows best.