The Book of al-Bay'ah - Sunan an-Nasa'i 4172

"We came in a delegation to the messenger of Allah, each of us with a question to ask him. I was the last of them to come in to the Messenger of Allah, and I said: 'O Messenger of Allah, I have left people behind me, and they are saying that emigration (Hijrah) has ceased.' He said: 'Emigration will not cease so long as the disbelievers are being fought."'

Context and Occasion

This narration occurred after the conquest of Makkah when some Muslims believed the obligation of Hijrah had ended since Muslims now controlled the sacred city.

The questioner was among a delegation seeking clarification from the Prophet ﷺ regarding various matters of faith and practice.

Meaning of Hijrah

Hijrah linguistically means "to abandon." In Islamic terminology, it refers to migrating from the land of disbelief to the land of Islam.

The primary Hijrah was from Makkah to Madinah, but the principle extends to any migration from lands where one cannot practice Islam freely to lands where one can.

Scholarly Commentary

Imam an-Nawawi explains that this hadith indicates the continuation of Hijrah's obligation as long as fighting disbelievers persists. The essence of Hijrah remains relevant whenever Muslims face persecution.

Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani clarifies that while the specific Hijrah to Madinah ended after the conquest, the broader obligation continues wherever Muslims cannot openly practice their religion.

Scholars distinguish between Hijrah from Dar al-Harb (land of war) to Dar al-Islam (land of Islam), which remains obligatory, and internal migration for better religious practice, which is recommended.

Contemporary Application

This hadith teaches that the spirit of Hijrah continues throughout Islamic history. Whenever Muslims face religious persecution, migration remains a religious duty.

The principle extends beyond physical migration to include abandoning sinful environments and migrating toward Allah through obedience and righteous deeds.