Simple Tips for Hijrah Hopefuls

Where to for Hijra?


From amongst the Muslims in my masjid back in my old (kafir) country, I never heard anyone say that they had no intention for hijrah and wanted to stay in the land of the disbelievers forever. Indeed, all said that they want to make hijrah but when you dig deeper and enquire about their plans, you find they have none, all they have is the notion in their head, or on their tongues at the most. Some are bewildered by the reality, as was I when I first had the notion that hijrah is better than staying behind.


Some attitudes people have that are holding them back from hijrah include:


- Haven’t got enough money to make hijrah.


- There aren’t any places to go for hijrah, all the Muslim countries are ruled by laws of kufr and puppet Arab governments.


- I can practice Islam in this (kafir) country better than I could in a Muslim country.


In regard to the first point, I agree that you do need funds. The second point, true all the countries are ruled by laws of kufr and can even be oppressive. In addition the visa problem is a headache, especially when whole families are moving. But I would not regard this as an excuse.

The last point is particularly worrying because it suggests complacency and contentment with living amongst the disbelievers and a lack of drive to establish an Islamic state (which is a whole new story). It suggests that the level of Islam that they are living at the moment is enough for them when in reality the Islam that they live in that place is merely the surface and largely ceremonial totally ignoring issues of Islamic governance. Rasulullah said that he is disavowed from those who choose to live at the backs of the mushrikeen, and that we should live far enough away from them that their fires cannot be seen. (Narrated Jarir ibn Abdullah in Sunnan Abu Dawood).

As for the excuse of money or places of hijrah, these are only temporary excuses because, according to Ibn Taymiyya, in the event of inability, the preparation becomes obligatory. Here are some tips for preparing oneself for the big move of hijrah fi sabilillah.

1. Intention: Make sure your intention is for Allah and not for other worldly gains. I found many muhajireen in the Gulf states who have made hijrah fi sabil al-maal (for money). In any case the Gulf states are not the best places to make hijrah but it is still a start, and perhaps you would consider using that money for Jihad al-Mal until you are able to go to Jihad yourself.

2. Study the virtues of Hijrah: the virtues of one who makes Hijrah in the Path of Allah are many. Study them and know what rewards you will be receiving once you take the step towards Allah. It will motivate you and Insha Allah, keep you focussed.

3. Network: Talk to people, maybe they know people in various countries that you could network with. Look online at jobs available and send your CV to some if possible.
Research: study the news, climate, living conditions, visa requirements of some countries you feel you are most likely to make hijrah to.

4. Stock up your skills: while working towards hijrah, do some courses to improve your chances of work, and perhaps increase your usefulness to the ummah.

5. Keep fit: Hijrah can be stressful and hard work, being fit and healthy helps combat stress and it also gives you strength to do more ibada.

6. Live simply: The standard of living in your country of hijrah is not likely to be the same as your home country. Simplify your living standards, eat less and simply (but keep it healthy), reduce junk foods and treats, get rid of the TV, get rid of the sofa, use less water and electricity and try not to create too much waste.

7. Make du’a to Allah swt.

Once a door opens to hijrah, pray istikhara and go for it!

Once you are in your country of hijrah, don’t expect it to be easy! Trials are likely to come at you, especially if you did it purely for Allah. He will test you. It can also be difficult to adjust to a new way of life, living conditions and climate. You may not have the same living conditions in hijrah as you did back in your old country so have sabr and give thanks to Allah swt for what he has given you. Look at those in a worse situation than you and be thankful to Allah.


Remember Allah swt tests us with what is relevant. If you don’t mind living rough, then it won’t be a test, so perhaps Allah will test you with loneliness, extreme weather or some other thing that is particular to you. Allah knows best how to test us as to ascertain the level of our iman.
Shaytan will want you to find it too hard and he will beautify the memories of your home land of kufr so that you will want to go back. One day I was feeling down and shaytan managed to make catching the metro train seem so beautiful to me! I hated catching the train, especially to the city where people would abuse and spit on me!!! Shaytan can only come into your mind if you let him. Remember to do the daily adhkar and protect yourself.


One last nasiha for the muhajireen is that if you find yourself stable in your country of hijrah, invite others and act like an Ansar. Send news home on what it is like in your hijrah and encourage your brothers and sisters to join the hijrah for Allah.

Ask me about options for muhajireen in Yemen.