I am a United States citizen of Pakistani Origin now living in Middle East. I applied for my sisters?? immigration while I was in the United States. After 10 years of wait, their turn has come and they now want to immigrate. The only thing they need is an ??affidavit of support?? from me. Before taking this last step, I would like to know what is the ruling in sharia. Questions: A) Am I committing a sin by sponsoring my sisters and their families realizing that their or some of their children?’s commitment to deen will likely (but not always) be lowered, or in extreme cases, they may even loose their commitment to deen altogether? B) Would it be permissible for me to sponsor if there is a danger that sisterms may cut off family ties if I refuse to sponsor? The immigration to North America is a dream and serious emotional issue for which people are often willingly to sacrifice anything. C) Is sponsoring sisters and their families a financially acceptable act realizing that sponsor is taking a legally binding oath to take care of all their expenses if they are unable to or refuse to pay? Some of the expenses like medical could be so high and so unexpected that could possibly put me in debt more than I will ever be able to pay? D) If sisters are telling that they only want to immigrate to facilitate their children?’s education, is there any sin to sponsor them after taking a verbal or written promise that their stay will only be for permissible reasons? Does the sponsor share the sin if they later break the promise?
Answer:
(Fatwa: 891/835=B)
There is no sin in giving sponsorship. It is just accepting the responsibility of lodge, food and other expenses. If she takes a sinful step she will be accounted for, you will have to bear no sin. Make her aware of the conditions therein. If she wishes to go there anyhow then you will have no accountability.
Allah (Subhana Wa Ta’ala) knows Best
Darul Ifta,
Darul Uloom Deoband