New Homes: Islam and Immigration

Migration is a form of change, and not many people cope well with change. Often times it can be heartbreaking- leaving their home countries is a choice many families make not out of want or desire, but out of necessity and regard for the future. They may be refugees escaping from persecution, workers in search of employment, or families in unstable political climates.

Migration is almost never easy. It means giving up the connections and comfort associated with their homes in search of a better but unfamiliar place to live. The journey can be perilous, and may take many years.

And even after it’s all over, many immigrants experience a sense of longing and homesickness for their old homes, and find themselves in a divide: what is home to them now? Is it where they were born, where they were raised, or where they live? Does your ethnicity define your nationality? Sometimes, you might feel like you’re too Eastern for a Western society and too Western for your Eastern family. Sometimes you might feel like you’re at a home away from home, except it’s the house you’ve been living in for most of your life. What is home, in this scenario- where your roots are, or where your branches grow?

Believe it or not, the concept of immigration is common within Islamic history as well. Ibrahim (AS) left his wife Hajar and newborn son Ismail (AS) in an unknown, barren land. Yusuf (AS) travelled to Egypt after being found in a well by a caravan of slave traders. Musa (AS) led the Bani Israel away from the tyranny of Firawn. And, probably the most well-known example, the Hijrah of Muhammad (peace be upon him).

After years of persecution from the Makkan polytheists and tribes, many Muslims were forced to flee their home city to save their lives and continue practicing their religion. The sahabah, and the Prophet (peace be upon him) as well, went to Madinah in 622 CE. The Muslims, too, immigrated due to danger and fear for their lives. 

Despite the people of Madinah, called the Ansar, giving a warm welcome to the Makkan Muslims, called the Muhajirun, the immigrants were homesick. They had grown up in Makkah, and it was a place dear in their hearts. They had brought with them the clothes on their back and little else, and were paired with Ansar brothers who would help them with the customs and general life in Madinah. Though they were homesick and uncertain in this new city, they were hopeful for the future of Islam. Aisha (RA) narrated that the Prophet (SAW) made a dua: “O Allah, make Madinah dear to us just as or more than Makkah was dear to us, and O Allah, make it healthy and bless us in its Sa’ and Mud (i.e. measures).” in order to bring comfort to the Muslims.

Over time, the Muhajirun learned to love Madinah. In 630 CE, the Muslims finally conquered Makkah and won over the polytheists, and reclaimed Makkah as their own. This was a grounding event in Islamic history, and many were overjoyed to have their old home back. However, when asked, Muhammad (SAW) said that he would stay in Madinah, as he left Makkah for the sake of Allah. Many of the sahabah also complied with him.

The figures in Islamic theology are no strangers to heartache and homesickness, but they did under the command of Allah (SWT), and they did it for the betterment of the future. As you move forward and wonder what your identity really is, remember that the first Muslims share your struggle as well. You’ll embrace it one day as well.