Qur’an and Hadith on Migration (Hijrah) for Livelihood (Rizq) and Better Opportunities
Migration (Hijrah) is a well-documented concept in Islamic teachings, both in the Qur’an and Hadith, and is often encouraged for religious freedom, safety, or better sustenance (rizq).
1. Qur’anic Verses on Migration for Livelihood
a) Allah’s Earth is Vast – Seek Provision Elsewhere
Surah An-Nisa (4:97)
“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 Allah spacious enough for you to emigrate therein?’”
(Qur’an 4:97)
This verse criticizes those who stay in oppressive conditions when they have the ability to migrate. It implies that seeking a better life, livelihood, or religious freedom in another land is part of one’s responsibility.
b) Migration Brings Allah’s Blessings
Surah Al-Ankabut (29:56)
“O My servants who have believed, indeed My earth is spacious, so worship Me.”
(Qur’an 29:56)
This verse encourages people to move to different lands where they can freely worship and sustain themselves.
c) Migration Leads to Abundant Sustenance
Surah Al-Mulk (67:15)
“It is He who made the earth tame for you – so walk among its slopes and eat of His provision – and to Him is the resurrection.”
(Qur’an 67:15)
This suggests that humans should explore and travel to seek their sustenance (rizq) from different places.
2. Hadith on Migration for Livelihood and Opportunities
a) Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) Encouraged Seeking a Better Life Elsewhere
The Prophet (ﷺ) himself migrated from Makkah to Madinah, setting an example of moving for better opportunities and security. He advised:
“Seek provision and sustenance through migration, for in migration there are five benefits:
(1) Relief from distress,
(2) Better livelihood,
(3) Strengthening of faith,
(4) Gaining knowledge,
(5) Meeting new people.”
(Narrated in various Hadith collections, though not all are Sahih.)
b) Travel for Sustenance
The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“Travel and you will find prosperity.”
(Reported in Sunan al-Kubra by al-Bayhaqi – Classified as Hasan.)
This encourages migration for better sustenance and economic well-being.
3. Conclusion: Islamic Perspective on Migration for Work
1. Migration for better livelihood is encouraged if one’s current situation is oppressive or limiting.
2. Seeking sustenance (rizq) through travel is considered part of putting in effort while relying on Allah.
3. The Prophet (ﷺ) and many Sahaba migrated for religious freedom and better opportunities.
4. Remaining in hardship when opportunities exist elsewhere is discouraged in Islam.
Thus, moving to another country for work, business, or better life opportunities is Islamically permissible and often encouraged—as long as it doesn’t compromise faith and morality.
Qur’an and Hadith on Migration (Hijrah) for Livelihood (Rizq) and Better Opportunities
Migration (Hijrah) is a well-documented concept in Islamic teachings, both in the Qur’an and Hadith, and is often encouraged for religious freedom, safety, or better sustenance (rizq).
1. Qur’anic Verses on Migration for Livelihood
a) Allah’s Earth is Vast – Seek Provision Elsewhere
Surah An-Nisa (4:97)
“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 Allah spacious enough for you to emigrate therein?’”
(Qur’an 4:97)
This verse criticizes those who stay in oppressive conditions when they have the ability to migrate. It implies that seeking a better life, livelihood, or religious freedom in another land is part of one’s responsibility.
b) Migration Brings Allah’s Blessings
Surah Al-Ankabut (29:56)
“O My servants who have believed, indeed My earth is spacious, so worship Me.”
(Qur’an 29:56)
This verse encourages people to move to different lands where they can freely worship and sustain themselves.
c) Migration Leads to Abundant Sustenance
Surah Al-Mulk (67:15)
“It is He who made the earth tame for you – so walk among its slopes and eat of His provision – and to Him is the resurrection.”
(Qur’an 67:15)
This suggests that humans should explore and travel to seek their sustenance (rizq) from different places.
2. Hadith on Migration for Livelihood and Opportunities
a) Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) Encouraged Seeking a Better Life Elsewhere
The Prophet (ﷺ) himself migrated from Makkah to Madinah, setting an example of moving for better opportunities and security. He advised:
“Seek provision and sustenance through migration, for in migration there are five benefits:
(1) Relief from distress,
(2) Better livelihood,
(3) Strengthening of faith,
(4) Gaining knowledge,
(5) Meeting new people.”
(Narrated in various Hadith collections, though not all are Sahih.)
b) Travel for Sustenance
The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“Travel and you will find prosperity.”
(Reported in Sunan al-Kubra by al-Bayhaqi – Classified as Hasan.)
This encourages migration for better sustenance and economic well-being.
3. Conclusion: Islamic Perspective on Migration for Work
1. Migration for better livelihood is encouraged if one’s current situation is oppressive or limiting.
2. Seeking sustenance (rizq) through travel is considered part of putting in effort while relying on Allah.
3. The Prophet (ﷺ) and many Sahaba migrated for religious freedom and better opportunities.
4. Remaining in hardship when opportunities exist elsewhere is discouraged in Islam.
Thus, moving to another country for work, business, or better life opportunities is Islamically permissible and often encouraged—as long as it doesn’t compromise faith and morality.
