Doctrine of Hijrah and Emergence of Muslim Communities in the West

Abstract

The presence of Muslims in the West is not recent; their existence in the West dates back centuries. Like other minority groups, Muslims, as a religious minority, have been influenced by their circumstances. Human migration has impacted the culture, lifestyle, and habits of indigenous peoples, as migrants bring their faiths and religious traditions with them. Historically, migration occurred from the East to the West and vice versa for centuries. However, in the last two centuries, this migration has primarily been from developing to developed countries in search of a better future and employment opportunities. The doctrine of hijrah (migration) in Muslim legal thought, along with the emergence of Muslim communities in non-Muslim regions and their interactions with non-Muslims, has long been a subject of discussion among Muslim jurists. This research explores the formation of Muslim communities in non-Muslim countries and assesses the current situation in light of historical and contemporary discourses. Therefore, discussing classical concepts related to migration and the past and present emergence of Muslims in the West is appropriate. This article analyses various writings of classical and contemporary Muslim scholars on the issues of hijrah and Muslims’ settlement in the West.