No Relevance for the Migration Debate in the Indian Context: India is the Homeland for Muslims

By New Age Islam Staff Writer 20 March 2025 Muslims can freely practice their faith, build mosques, establish religious institutions, and follow Islamic personal laws. Many classical Islamic scholars, particularly from the Hanafi School, have long held that Muslims can live in non-Muslim lands as long as they are allowed to practice Islam without persecution. This perspective challenges the Islamist argument that migration is necessary for religious preservation. Calls for Hijra from India ignore the deep historical ties Indian Muslims share with their homeland and risk alienating them from their national identity. Instead of leaving, Indian Muslims can work within the democratic framework to secure their rights, strengthen their community, and contribute to the nation’s progress. Islam teaches that Hijra is not just about physical migration but also about moving from injustice to righteousness. In this sense, Indian Muslims should focus on improving their society rather than seeking to abandon it. Instead of seeing India as a place to leave, they can view it as a land where they can live with dignity, practice their faith, and engage in positive change. Major points: 1. The debate over whether Muslims should migrate from non-Muslim lands to Islamic lands has been a long-standing theological issue. 2. Instead, engaging in constructive dialogue, education, and political participation can help address concerns while preserving India's rich Islamic heritage. 3. The argument for migration from non-Muslim to Muslim lands does not hold relevance in the Indian context. ... The debate over whether Muslims should migrate from non-Muslim lands to Islamic lands has been a long-standing theological issue. While some Islamists argue that living under Islamic governance is essential for maintaining one’s faith, moderate scholars counter this view by emphasizing the ability to practice Islam in diverse environments. In the Indian context, this debate takes on a unique dimension due to the country’s pluralistic society, constitutional secularism, and deep-rooted Islamic heritage. This article examines how this debate applies to Indian Muslims and whether migration is a relevant concern in contemporary India. Is India Dār al-Islām? For many years, some Islamic groups and scholars have debated whether India should be considered Dār al-Islām (Abode of Islam) or Dār al-Ḥarb (Abode of War). This debate has significant consequences because certain radical Islamist groups argue that if India is no longer Dār al-Islām, then Muslims should migrate to a Muslim-majority country. However, most mainstream scholars, both classical and modern, strongly reject this view, emphasizing that India remains Dār al-Islām, or at the very least, Dār al-Amān (Abode of Peace), where Muslims can freely practice their religion. The claim that Indian Muslims must leave the country is not new. It echoes similar sentiments from the Hijrat Movement of 1920, when thousands of Indian Muslims attempted to migrate to Afghanistan, believing British India had become Dār al-Ḥarb. However, that movement ultimately failed, and its reasoning no longer applies today. By analyzing Qur’anic verses, hadiths, historical precedents, and modern fatwas, it becomes clear that migration from India is neither necessary nor justified under Islamic law. The Islamist Call for Migration: What Is Their Argument? Some radical Islamist groups insist that Muslims cannot live under a non-Muslim government and should leave India for a so-called "Islamic land." Their reasoning is based on several arguments. First, they claim that since India is not governed by Sharia law, it is no longer an Islamic land. According to them, only a state that fully implements Islamic governance can be called Dār al-Islām. Second, they argue that Muslims face increasing discrimination and restrictions on their religious practices, which makes migration necessary. Third, they insist that since Muslims are a minority under non-Muslim rule, they will always be oppressed and should, therefore, seek refuge in a country where Islam is dominant. Lastly, they refer to historical precedents, such as the Prophet Muhammad’s (ﷺ) migration from Makkah to Madinah, as justification for their stance. These groups often cite Qur’anic verses and hadiths to support their claims. One commonly quoted verse is: وَمَن يُهَاجِرْ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ يَجِدْ فِي الْأَرْضِ مُرَاغَمًا كَثِيرًا وَسَعَةً "And whoever emigrates for the cause of Allah will find many locations and abundance." (Surah An-Nisa 4:100) Another hadith that Islamists often misinterpret is: إِنِّي أُمِرْتُ أَنْ أُقَاتِلَ النَّاسَ حَتَّى يَشْهَدُوا أَنْ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَأَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا رَسُولُ اللَّهِ "I have been commanded to fight the people until they testify that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is His Messenger..." (Sahih al-Bukhari, 25) They argue that these texts indicate that Muslims should either rule politically or leave non-Muslim lands. However, their interpretation of these sources is selective and ignores the broader theological and historical context. Is India Dār al-Islām or Dār al-Ḥarb? Islamic scholars have traditionally classified lands into three categories: 1. Dār al-Islām – A land where Muslims have religious freedom and Islamic governance is followed. 2. Dār al-Ḥarb – A land where Muslims are persecuted, and there is hostility against Islam. 3. Dār al-Amān – A land where Muslims may not have full Islamic governance but have security and religious rights. Most scholars agree that India falls under either Dār al-Islām or Dār al-Amān, not Dār al-Ḥarb. The evidence is clear. The Indian Constitution guarantees freedom of religion, allowing Muslims to practice their faith, build mosques, and run religious schools. Unlike some Western countries where Islamic practices such as the hijab or halal meat are restricted, India permits Muslims to follow their religious customs without interference. Additionally, Indian law allows Muslims to follow their own personal laws in matters of marriage, divorce, and inheritance. If India were truly Dār al-Ḥarb, none of this would be possible. Another crucial point is the historical presence of Islam in India. For centuries, India has been home to great Islamic scholars, institutions, and spiritual traditions. The fact that India continues to have thousands of mosques, madrasas, and Islamic universities further proves that it remains a land where Islam thrives. If it were truly Dār al-Ḥarb, these institutions would not exist. Several modern fatwas support this conclusion. Darul Uloom Deoband, one of the most respected Islamic seminaries in the world, has declared that India is not Dār al-Ḥarb and that migration is not required. Scholars from Jamia Millia Islamia and Aligarh Muslim University have issued similar rulings. Prominent Islamic scholars, such as Shaykh Yusuf Al-Qaradawi, have also stated that as long as Muslims can practice their religion freely, migration is unnecessary. The 1920 Hijrat Movement: A Failed Migration and Its Lessons One of the most significant migration attempts in Indian history was the Hijrat Movement of 1920. At the time, many Indian Muslims believed that British-ruled India had become Dār al-Ḥarb and that they needed to migrate to Afghanistan, which was seen as an Islamic state. Inspired by the Khilafat Movement, thousands of Muslims sold their property and left for Afghanistan. However, when they arrived, they were met with rejection from the Afghan government, which refused to allow so many refugees to settle. Many were forced to return to India, their lives shattered. The movement ultimately failed for several reasons. Afghanistan was not prepared to receive such a large number of migrants, and many who migrated found themselves in worse conditions than before. Muslim scholars later clarified that India had never truly been Dār al-Ḥarb and that the migration was based on misunderstanding rather than necessity. The lessons from the 1920 Hijrat Movement are clear. Unlike in 1920, India today is a sovereign nation where Muslims enjoy religious rights and freedoms. The British colonial rule that sparked fears of religious oppression no longer exists. Furthermore, no Muslim-majority country is actively inviting Indian Muslims for migration. Given these realities, the arguments made by Islamists demanding migration hold no relevance today. Refuting the Islamist Argument for Migration The Islamist call for migration is based on misinterpretations of Islamic teachings. They claim that living under non-Muslim rule is forbidden, citing verses such as: إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ تَوَفَّىٰهُمُ ٱلْمَلَـٰٓئِكَةُ ظَالِمِىٓ أَنفُسِهِمْ قَالُوا۟ فِيمَ كُنتُمْ "Indeed, those whom the angels take in death while wronging themselves – they will say, ‘In what condition were you?’" (Surah An-Nisa 4:97) However, this verse refers specifically to Muslims who fail to practice their faith and make no effort to improve their situation, which does not apply to Muslims in India today. Additionally, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) himself allowed Muslims to live in non-Muslim lands. He sent his companions to Abyssinia, a Christian land, for protection, showing that Muslims can reside under non-Muslim rule as long as they have religious freedom. The argument that Indian Muslims must migrate because India is Dār al-Ḥarb is completely baseless. India remains Dār al-Islām or at the very least Dār al-Amān, where Muslims have full religious freedom. Unlike the colonial-era fears of the 1920 Hijrat Movement, modern India allows Muslims to practice their faith freely, participate in governance, and contribute to society. Instead of migration, Indian Muslims should focus on strengthening their faith, engaging with society, and working for the betterment of their country. True Islamic strength lies in perseverance, moral excellence, and peaceful coexistence, not in unnecessary migration. India is the Homeland for Muslims India is home to over 200 million Muslims, making it one of the largest Muslim populations in the world. Islam has been part of the Indian subcontinent for over a thousand years, deeply integrating into its culture, traditions, and social fabric. Unlike in many non-Muslim-majority nations, Indian Muslims have a strong historical and civilizational connection to their land, which makes the idea of migration less relevant. Moreover, the Indian Constitution guarantees freedom of religion, allowing Muslims to practice their faith, establish religious institutions, and govern personal affairs through Islamic jurisprudence (Sharia) in matters such as marriage, divorce, and inheritance. This negates the claim that Muslims must leave India due to religious restrictions. Refuting the Argument for Migration in India 1. Religious Freedom in India Islamists who argue for migration claim that non-Muslim lands inherently restrict religious practice. However, in India, Muslims freely offer prayers in mosques, observe Islamic rituals, and conduct religious gatherings. The existence of numerous madrasas, Islamic universities, and organizations like Darul Uloom Deoband demonstrates that Islam can be practiced without hindrance. The Quran states: لَا إِكْرَاهَ فِي الدِّينِ "There is no compulsion in religion." (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:256) This verse supports the idea that faith is a personal choice, independent of geographical location. As long as religious freedom exists, the obligation to migrate does not apply. 2. India as a Land of Coexistence Another argument Islamists make is that Muslims should not live among non-Muslims. However, history shows that Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, and others have coexisted in India for centuries. The Prophet Muhammad himself allowed Muslims to live under non-Muslim rule, as seen in his directive for early Muslims to migrate to Christian Abyssinia for protection. The Quran states: لَا يَنْهَاكُمُ اللَّهُ عَنِ الَّذِينَ لَمْ يُقَاتِلُوكُمْ فِي الدِّينِ وَلَمْ يُخْرِجُوكُمْ مِنْ دِيَارِكُمْ أَنْ تَبَرُّوهُمْ وَتُقْسِطُوا إِلَيْهِمْ إِنَّ اللَّهَ يُحِبُّ الْمُقْسِطِينَ "Allah does not forbid you from being righteous and just towards those who have not fought you because of religion and have not expelled you from your homes. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly." (Surah Al-Mumtahina 60:8) This confirms that peaceful coexistence with non-Muslims is permissible and even encouraged. 3. The Role of Indian Muslims in Society Rather than migrating, Indian Muslims play a vital role in shaping the country’s social, economic, and political landscape. They contribute significantly in fields such as education, business, medicine, science, and politics. If migration were obligatory, it would mean abandoning their responsibilities towards their communities and nation. Islam encourages believers to contribute positively to society rather than withdraw from it. The Prophet Muhammad said: خَيْرُ النَّاسِ أَنْفَعُهُمْ لِلنَّاسِ "The best of people are those who bring the most benefit to others." (Musnad Ahmad 23480) Indian Muslims, by actively participating in the nation’s development, uphold this Islamic principle. Addressing Challenges Faced by Indian Muslims While India offers religious freedom, some challenges exist, including communal tensions, discrimination, and socio-economic disparities. However, migration is not a solution to these issues. Instead, engaging in constructive dialogue, education, and political participation can help address concerns while preserving India's rich Islamic heritage. The Prophet Muhammad faced opposition and hardships in Mecca, yet he did not encourage Muslims to abandon their homeland unless their faith was in immediate danger. The solution lies in resilience and positive engagement, not migration. Conclusion The argument for migration from non-Muslim to Muslim lands does not hold relevance in the Indian context. India is not a land of religious oppression but one where Islam has flourished for centuries. Muslims have the freedom to practice their religion, contribute to society, and uphold Islamic values while being active citizens. Instead of migration, the focus should be on education, unity, and socio-economic progress to strengthen the Muslim community within India. Islam is not bound by geography but by faith and righteous actions, regardless of where one lives. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-ideology/india-is-the-homeland-for-muslims/d/134928 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism