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Reading Literature of non-Muslims and those not commited to Deen

Answered as per Hanafi Fiqh by Fatwaa.com

I am from the Hanafi Madhab.
It is permissible to read writen by non-Muslims and those not commited to Deen if one doen not fear any bad consequences ?
I would like to know this, as one Mufti said that it should only be in need. I know you do not approve of asking more Muftis but I think I need another qualified scholar to understand the answer. Even though I asked him more times regarding this I did not understand the answer if it was a recommendation because of fear of bad effects or a fatwa deeming it not permissible except for need. As far as I have read further it is permissible to go to a non-Muslim country for study and live there for another valid reason. Could you help me further, as it would difficult for me, as I would to avoid a lot of things. I think you know what I mean.
Below are the answers:

1st answer: It is better to avoid books prepared by non Muslims. However, at the time of need and to the extent of need you may use their books. You should ensure that your beliefs and your thinking is not corrupted through these books.

2nd answer: Generally books that are written by non-Muslims and Muslims who are not committed to deen could be dangerous. Sometimes there are subtle irreligious statements that could affect and contaminate the heart and thought.

3rd answer: If you are certain that it does not have anything irreligious and it does not contain any type of disbelief, like evolution etc. then you may study it, if there is a need and to the point of need. Make sure that you beg Allah Ta`ala to protect your imaan and thinking from being affected.

Answer

From the question, there are two separate matters:

  1. Studying books written by non-Muslims and irreligious persons.
  2. Migrating to a non-Muslim country.

As for the first matter, it is permissible to read a book authored by a non-Muslim or person ‘not committed to Deen’ provided that the content:

  • conforms to the teachings of Islām.
  • does not glorify other than Allāh.
  • does not promote sin and vice.
  • enhances one’s knowledge or provides other benefits.

Wa’alaykum as Salam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu,

As for the second matter, a Muslim is permitted to migrate to a non-Muslim country on the basis of the following reasons:

  • Oppression by the state without any justification, or force by the state to emigrate.
  • Financial constraints
  • Religious duties or preaching
  • To acquire a specific skill that cannot be acquired otherwise, and will benefit his worldly and/or religious affairs.

It is of utmost importance that a Muslim who chooses to migrate to a non-Muslim country for any valid reason, then he should be determined to protect his faith, and keep himself away from the widespread evil found there.

And Allaah Ta’aala knows best

Wassalaam,

Ismail Moosa (Mufti)

This answer was collected from Fatwaa.com which is an excellent Q&A site managed by Mufti Ismail Moosa from South Africa. .

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