Question:
Please give me reasons why it is permissible for a Muslim to reside in a non-Islamic country.
Answer:
If a Muslim country does not need a particular Muslim person for any circumstance, and that Islamic country will not undergo any harm or difficulty by him not residing in it, also, that Muslim person can perform all his religious duties correctly, it not forbidden for that Muslim to reside in a non-Muslim country. Nabi S.A.W allowed some Muslims to stay in their original non-Muslim countries. In fact, if that Muslim makes the intention of preaching Islam, then he will be rewarded for it Insha Allah.
And Allah Ta’ala knows best
Mufti Muhammad Ashraf
Darul Iftaa
Jameah Mahmoodiyah
Springs
26 April 2006
26 Rabee’ul Awwal 1427