What does Islam say about immigrants and refugees?
Yes, Islam asks Muslims to welcome them with kindness. Migrants are honored in Islam. The Prophet ﷺ himself was forced to leave his home, and the early Muslims were refugees twice. The Quran praises those who welcomed them, and Islam also asks migrants to be honest, grateful and law-abiding guests in their new country.
The Prophet ﷺ was a refugee
After years of persecution in Mecca, the Prophet ﷺ and his followers left their homes for Medina in 622 CE. This journey, the Hijra, is so central that the Islamic calendar starts from it. The Muslims who made it are called the Muhajirun, "the emigrants." Many of them arrived with little more than their faith.
Even before that, a group of early Muslims fled to Abyssinia (Ethiopia), where a Christian king known for his justice gave them safety. When this king, the Negus, later died, the Prophet ﷺ said, "Today a pious man has died," and told his companions to offer the funeral prayer for him (Sahih al-Bukhari 3877).
The Ansar: a model of welcome
The people of Medina, called the Ansar ("the helpers"), took the refugees into their homes and businesses. The Prophet ﷺ paired emigrants with local brothers. One Ansari, Sa'd bin Ar-Rabi, offered to split his wealth with Abdur-Rahman bin Awf, who thanked him and asked only to be shown the market so he could earn his own living (Sahih al-Bukhari 3780). The Quran praises the Ansar directly:
Kindness to strangers and travelers
The Quran tells believers to do good to "the near neighbor, the neighbor farther away, the companion at your side, the traveler" (Quran 4:36). The Prophet ﷺ said that whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should not harm his neighbor and should be generous to his guest (Sahih al-Bukhari 6018). Many scholars apply these teachings to newcomers today: welcome them, help them settle, and support them with your charity. See Should I give zakat locally or abroad?
Duties of the migrant
Islam's teaching works both ways. Abdur-Rahman bin Awf didn't take advantage of his host; he worked and built his own life. Scholars teach that a migrant who accepts a country's visa, residence or asylum has made an agreement and should keep it: obey the law, pay taxes, be honest with officials and contribute to the community. See Do I have to follow the laws of my country as a Muslim?
You also don't have to move to a Muslim-majority country to live your faith fully. See Do I have to move to a Muslim country after becoming Muslim?
- The Prophet ﷺ and early Muslims were refugees themselves.
- The Ansar's welcome is praised in the Quran.
- Islam asks for kindness to neighbors, guests and travelers.
- Migrants should be honest, hardworking and law-abiding.
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