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Fatwa CenterThe Hijab should be observed in non-Muslim countries with greater reason
Question
What is the ruling on observing the Hijaab for Muslim minorities living in France, for example?
Answer
All perfect praise be to Allaah, the Lord of the worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His slave and Messenger.
Allaah, the Exalted, has imposed the obligation of wearing the Hijab upon Muslim women. He says (what means): {O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to bring down over themselves [part] of their outer garments. That is more suitable that they will be known and not be abused. And ever is Allaah Forgiving and Merciful.} [Quran 33:59] There is no doubt that being lax and neglectful with respect to observing the Hijab incurs the spread of corruption and the prevalence of immorality and evildoing. This religious obligation is imposed upon all Muslim women in every country. However, this obligation should be observed with greater reason in non-Muslim countries. If a Muslim who lives in a foreign country is not able to properly practice his religion and manifest its rites, then he is obliged to immigrate from the land of disbelief. Allaah, the Exalted, says (what means): {Indeed, those whom the angels take [in death] while wronging themselves—[the angels] will say, "In what [condition] were you?" They will say, "We were oppressed in the land." The angels will say, "Was not the earth of Allaah spacious [enough] for you to emigrate therein?” For those, their refuge is Hell—and evil it is as a destination.} [Quran 4:97]
Hence, a Muslim woman who lives in France or any other non-Muslim country should either observe the Hijab and other acts of worship and religious rites or immigrate to a Muslim country if she is able to, so that she can practice her religion freely and openly and manifest its rites.
Allaah Knows best.
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