Question:

What are the risks of illegal immigration, and what is the Islamic ruling regarding it? Nowadays, some young people attempt to travel to foreign countries using illegal or unauthorised means. They often stay without legal permission, using methods that go against the law. Please explain the Islamic perspective on this issue.

Answer:

In the name of Allah ﷻ, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, his family, companions, and all those who follow his guidance.

Illegal immigration is not permissible in Islam. This is because it involves several serious violations of Islamic principles, and may also involve sins such as disobedience, dishonesty, and risking one’s life.

Firstly, illegal immigration implies disobeying the government and the law of the land. Islam commands Muslims to obey those in authority, as long as their commands do not contradict Islamic teachings. Allah ﷻ says in the Qur’an: “O you who believe! Obey Allah, obey the Messenger, and those in authority among you.” (Surah An-Nisa:59) Therefore, any person seeking to move from one country to another must respect the laws set by the government and abide by legal immigration processes.

Secondly, illegal immigration puts a person’s life in danger. Many people attempt to cross borders by sea, on foot, or through smugglers. These methods carry great risk and result in loss of life. Islam strictly prohibits putting oneself in harm’s way without a valid reason. Allah ﷻ says: “Do not throw yourselves into destruction with your own hands.” (Surah Al-Baqarah:195)

Thirdly, illegal migrants face humiliation, constant fear of arrest, and hardship in foreign lands. They are often forced to beg or live in degrading conditions. This goes against the dignity that Islam encourages for all believers. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: “It is not appropriate for a believer to humiliate himself.” (Tirmidhi)

Fourthly, such migration involves violation of international laws and agreements. Islam emphasises fulfilling contracts and agreements. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Muslims are bound by their agreements, except one that makes a halal thing haram or a haram thing halal.” (Tirmidhi)

Lastly, many illegal migration cases involve forgery, lying, or deception such as using false documents or hiding the truth from authorities. These are forms of dishonesty that are strongly forbidden in Islam. Allah ﷻ commands: “Avoid false speech.” (Surah Al-Hajj:30)

In some cases, all these violations can exist together in one act of illegal migration. Even if only one of these major issues is present, it is enough to make the act impermissible under Islamic law.

And Allah ﷻ knows best.

This Fatwa is written by Dr. Hafiz Muhammad Munir Al-Azhari