Fatwa against non-Muslim citizenship for Muslims

There is a lot of debate around a fatwa issued by well-known Saudi scholar Sheikh Aasim Al-Hakeem, especially among Muslims who have left their homeland in search of better chances in non-Muslim nations.

Responding to a query on social media platform ‘X,’ he stated that seeking such citizenship goes against Islamic principles.

The proclamation has drawn criticism, particularly from Muslims in economically struggling countries like Pakistan, who often migrate to non-Muslim nations for better opportunities. 

Many argue that migration is a necessity, not a choice, driven by the need to support families and escape poverty.

Social media users highlighted the double standards faced by Muslims abroad, with one commenting, “I’ve lived in an Arab country for 42 years but never got citizenship.”

Others questioned the relevance of the fatwa for those forced to migrate for survival.

Sheikh Al-Hakeem has not elaborated further but has issued similar rulings on contemporary issues, including declaring YouTube earnings as haram. 

This debate underscores the tension between religious rulings and the realities of migration faced by millions of Muslims worldwide.