As challenges for Muslims in the West increase—ranging from social pressures to preserving Islamic identity—many are reflecting on the concept of Hijra (migration for the sake of Allah). This blog explores the spiritual, practical, and emotional aspects of making Hijra in today’s world, helping Muslims weigh faith, family, and future before making such a significant decision.
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Blog category Islam
Blog description “Thinking about Making Hijra? What Muslims in the West Should Consider Today” explores the timeless concept of Hijra in the modern world. As many Muslims in the West face challenges in preserving their faith, raising children with Islamic values, and maintaining a strong sense of identity, this blog delves into the reasons, realities, and responsibilities of migrating for the sake of Allah. It offers balanced insights to help Muslims make thoughtful, faith-driven decisions.
The deterioration of values in the Western world has left many Western Muslims worried about their future in these societies. From forcing the LGBTQ agenda into schools and entertainment to the rise in anti-Muslim sentiment, some of us wonder if we should look for more suitable places to raise our families. Although many of these concerns already existed prior to October 7th, the genocide against our Palestinian brothers and sisters has laid bare the violent hypocrisy of many Western governments—especially the American empire—and many more Muslims are seriously reconsidering their commitment to living in societies that are directly involved or complicit in the genocide and destruction of the Muslim world. Ultimately, what is on the minds of many of us today is whether or not to make hijra. In this piece, I will attempt to provide a perspective to navigating this challenging question.
The migration of the heart and body
The concept of hijra, or migration for the sake of Allah, is profound and fundamental to faith. We see this in how the Prophet ﷺ referred to his companions who migrated with him from Mecca to Medina as the muhajirun—a term of respect and honor. The most famous hadith in Islam about intentions is also rooted in the concept of hijra. The Prophet ﷺ said,
Indeed, actions are by intentions, and every person will have only what they intended. Whoever migrated to Allah and His Messenger, his migration is for Allah and His Messenger. Whoever migrated to get something in the world or to marry a woman, his migration is for that to which he migrated.
Although people typically think of hijra as physically moving from one land to another, Ibn al-Qayyim al-Jawziyya, the great scholar of Islam, explained that hijra is of two types: (1) The physical migration of the body from one land to another and (2) the migration of the heart to Allah and His Messenger ﷺ. Ibn al-Qayyim emphatically proclaimed that the migration of the heart is the true hijra, as it is the foundation that precedes any physical hijra.2 Physical migration is thus a manifestation of the heart’s migration, but what does it mean for the heart to make hijra? Ibn al-Qayyim elaborated that the migration of the heart requires migrating from one psychological state to another, including:
- The heart’s migration from loving others to loving Allah alone.
- The heart’s migration from serving others to serving Allah alone.
- The heart’s migration from relying on others to relying on Allah alone.
- The heart’s migration from submitting to others to submitting to Allah alone.
Ibn al-Qayyim found it odd that a person discusses physical migration at length yet ignores the migration of the heart. He considered the migration of the heart to be an obligation for everyone, whereas the migration of the body only applies in certain contexts. The Prophet ﷺ succinctly highlighted the centrality of the migration of the heart when he said, “The [true] muhajir (migrant) is the one who abandons all that Allah has forbidden.”3
Although the migration of the heart is more central than the migration of the body, where we reside has a tremendous effect on the state of our hearts. Our beliefs, attitudes, behaviors, and personality are all influenced by the culture of the land we reside in. This is a general principle of life, and no human being is immune from this. Because of this, the state of one’s heart naturally will influence where the body wants to reside, and where the body resides will naturally affect the heart. Thus, there may be a bidirectional influence between one’s spiritual state and geographic location. Reflecting this principle is the hadith of the man who killed a hundred people and was advised to migrate to a land with righteous people and to leave the land of the wicked.4 Many parents understand this intuitively, as those who are considering taking their children to the Muslim world hope the cultural geography positively influences their religiosity.
Despite living in non-Muslim lands, many Western Muslims have found their hearts migrating to Allah and His Messenger ﷺ. Much of these positive results can be attributed to the establishment of masjids, Islamic schools, seminaries, community centers, and research institutes in the West, which have required tremendous sacrifice and effort. However, despite the gradual improvements in Western Islamic institutions over time, the limited quantity and/or quality of these institutions leave many Muslims searching for better holistic opportunities for their families. Moreover, the negative effects of the dominant culture are perceived by many as an overwhelmingly pervasive force, too threatening to their faith and Islamic values. Adding to this disenfranchisement is the ongoing genocide in Palestine and destruction of the surrounding region, coupled with the awareness that our governments are the financial and material backbone of this evil. As we understand that our taxes and our labor at certain corporations are directly supporting the destruction of Muslim lands, many Muslims—whose hearts are migrating to Allah and His Messenger—are having serious concerns about residing in the West and are considering physical migration. Despite our moral repugnance with many Western societies, in today’s world, there is no ideal Islamic state, and it appears to be a daunting challenge to find a land suitable for migration. There is no country in the world that a Muslim can walk into, wave their ummah passport,5 find gainful employment, and start life without confronting a number of challenges. Many Western Muslims also perceive the Muslim world as being far too plagued by economic, political, and social problems. So, what do we do?
“The Migration of the Heart and Body” explores the deeper meaning of Hijra—not just as a physical journey from one place to another, but as a spiritual migration toward Allah. It reflects on how true Hijra begins within the heart: leaving behind sins, bad habits, and worldly attachments to seek closeness to the Creator. This blog highlights the balance between physical relocation for faith and the inner transformation every believer must undertake.
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Please include a short bio Mushtabi Fatma is a passionate writer dedicated to exploring Islamic spirituality, faith, and the modern challenges faced by Muslims around the world. With a deep love for the Qur’an and Sunnah, she seeks to inspire readers to reconnect with their Creator through reflection, self-purification, and understanding of Islamic principles. Her writings often bridge classical Islamic wisdom with contemporary life, encouraging Muslims to live with sincerity, purpose, and steadfastness in their faith. When not writing, she enjoys studying Tafsir, engaging in community work, and guiding others toward a more mindful and spiritually fulfilling life.
Notes if Any This blog emphasizes that Hijra is not only a physical act of leaving one place for another but also a spiritual transformation of the heart. Readers are encouraged to reflect deeply before making any major life decisions, considering both the worldly and spiritual dimensions of migration. The true essence of Hijra lies in moving closer to Allah—whether through a change in location or through sincere repentance, renewed faith, and steadfast obedience to Him.
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