Making Hijrah: Lessons from My Journey · Become An Arabic Master

Making Hijrah: Lessons from My Journey

Alhamdulillah, it has been over a year since I left the United States, and despite the visa challenges, flight expenses, and hardships along the way, I have no regrets. Living in the Muslim lands is one of the greatest blessings that Allah bestows upon His servants.

Recently, after traveling to Thailand to renew my wife's visa, my family and I reaffirmed our decision: we will never live in a non-Muslim country again, in shā’ Allāh. There is nothing like hearing the adhān fill the air, knowing that everything is halal, having masājid on every corner, and even finding prayer rooms in malls, restaurants, and public facilities. The benefits of living in a Muslim country are countless.

I believe most people agree with this sentiment. However, the challenge lies in how people go about making the move and the advice they receive. Hijrah is a major decision—one that should be discussed with knowledge and wisdom. If not, people may uproot their lives and move across the world based on false hopes or misconceptions.

The Biggest Challenge: Securing a Long-Term Visa

One of the greatest obstacles in making hijrah is obtaining a visa that allows for long-term residence. Many people hear about the benefits of a certain country but fail to verify its visa policies with reliable sources.

Border runs—where you leave a country for a few days and re-enter on a renewed tourist visa—are not a sustainable solution in the long run. They drain your finances quickly and prevent you from accessing essential services like:

Getting a long-term lease in your name
Registering for home WiFi
Buying and registering a car
Setting up a stable life for your family
(these differ from country to country but generally you need a residency permit for these)

My Advice for Those Considering Hijrah

1.Do thorough research – Watch videos, read articles, and seek advice from trusted muhājirīn who have successfully relocated.
2.Shortlist potential countries – Look into visa policies, cost of living, accommodation prices, and job or business opportunities.
3.Verify visa options for your nationality – Don't assume what worked for someone else will work for you. Check official sources and immigration policies.
4.Visit before committing – No amount of research can replace actually experiencing the country yourself.
5.Plan for long-term stability – Ensure you have a sustainable visa, financial means, and a community that can support you.

Hijrah is a noble pursuit, but it requires planning, patience, and reliance on Allah. May Allah make it easy for those striving to leave the lands of disbelief and grant them success in both this life and the hereafter.

If you've made hijrah or are considering it, what has been your biggest challenge? Let’s discuss in the comments!

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