Salafis say that it is compulsory for Muslims to migrate from countries such as the U.S.A.

Answer

Hijrah (Migration) from evil and from an evil place to virtue and to a virtuous place is necessary. But one has to be practical regarding the physical Migration from one country to another country. Even if it is necessary to make Hijrah, it does not follow that in all circumstances it is Waajib to migrate. Consider your circumstances. We ask: Is it necessary for you to migrate from the U.S.A. because of the anti-Islamic attitude of the government? Is it necessary for the Muslims of Syria to migrate? The government in that country has banned Hijaab and many Islamic tenets. In fact it has cancelled the Shariah. Is it necessary for Muslims to migrate from a country where they are not allowed freedom to perform even the basic Islamic rites?

If the answer is yes, then the next question is: 'If they don't migrate, will they be sinners?' We shall say no, they will not be sinners. They will be sinners only if despite finding a place to migrate to they refuse to do so. Now if 10 million oppressed Muslims in a country which is openly hostile to Islam and Muslims, want to migrate, which country will accept them? In fact, if one poor Muslim, like yourself wishes to migrate, to which country are you going to migrate in the current world scenario?

Firstly, the situation in all the countries of the world is the same. There is no country which is favourable towards Islam and Muslims. Secondly, no country will allow you to settle in their land. They will allow only wealthy persons who are able to invest large sums of money, or highly qualified professionals who can find jobs to settle in their lands. So when there is no country to which you can migrate, why will it be sinful for a Muslim not to migrate? Even all the mountains, jungles and deserts are under surveillance. A Muslim living on a remote mountain in any country will be abducted by America with the collusion of that country's authorities, and be accused of being a terrorist. It is very easy to say that Hijrah is Waajib. But when we agree and say: Well, now migrate!, then the person is lost. He then will have no answer. Those who say it is Waajib to make Hijrah, remain in the country despite raising the slogan of Hijrah. One has to be practical. We encourage people to migrate from Darul Kufr. But where will you today find Darul Islam? To which Darul Islam can you migrate? In fact, there is not a single Darul Islam today.

Furthermore, there is not a single Darul Kufr that will accept you with open arms. To migrate from a hostile Darul Kufr to a friendly Darul Kufr is acceptable. But you will not find today a friendly Darul Kufr to accept you as a citizen. The issue of Migration is not as simple as the sloganraisers understand it.