What is your advice to a Muslim young man who has reached thirty and is not married, and wishes to emigrate to Western countries for work and study due to marginalization and hardship of living?
It is not permissible to travel to reside in non-Muslim countries except out of necessity, due to the fear of corruption in one's creed and being influenced by their morals. This is based on the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, who said: "I am free of any Muslim who resides among the polytheists." As for traveling out of need without intending to reside, such as seeking knowledge not available in Muslim countries, or for medical treatment, or for inviting to Allah, there is no objection to it, provided one adheres to Islamic guidelines. Therefore, it is permissible to travel to Western countries for work or study if you feel secure about yourself, and then return to your homeland. The marginalization of livelihood and its scarcity are addressed by fearing Allah.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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