So far in the previous articles, we introduced the topic of migration and defined the terms “Migration” and “Taa’rub” and explored
a Quranic view point. In this article, the issue is viewed from the view point of narrations. To view the table of contents, please visit the Migration page.
Narrations on Migration
There are multiple narrations that discuss the issue of the obligation to migrate and prohibition of “taa’rub”. A few will be included below:
Even a hand span of land
It has been narrated that the Prophet] has said:
من فر بدينه من أرض إلى أرض وإن كان شبرا من الأرض، استوجب الجنة وكان رفيق إبراهيم ومحمد (عليهما السلام).
Whomever takes flight with their religion from one land to another land, even if it be a hand span of land, Heaven is obligated for them and is a friend of Ibrahim and Muhammad Peace Be Upon Them.[1]
Death during migration
It is narrated from A’krama that there were a group of Muslims in Mecca that were unable to migrate, so when the Ayahs relating to migration were sent down, a man by the name of Jundu’ bin Dhamarra from amongst the Muslims heard it. He was in Mecca, so he said “By God, I’m not of those God has made an exception for, For I shall find strength and I know the way. Although ill with a very serious illness, he said to his children “by God I will not sleep over in Mecca and till I leave it, for I fear that I will die in it, so they left carrying him on his bed until the signs of death appeared to overwhelm him. He placed his right hand upon his left and said “Oh Lord – this is for you and this is for your Prophet], I pay allegiance to you upon what he paid allegiance to you.” And passed away.
When the news of this mans journey and death reached Medina, some people said that if only he had reached Medina he would have earned the reward of migration!
In response, the following Ayah was revealed[2]:
وَمَن يُهَاجِرْ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّـهِ يَجِدْ فِي الْأَرْضِ مُرَاغَمًا كَثِيرًا وَسَعَةً ۚ وَمَن يَخْرُجْ مِن بَيْتِهِ مُهَاجِرًا إِلَى اللَّـهِ وَرَسُولِهِ ثُمَّ يُدْرِكْهُ الْمَوْتُ فَقَدْ وَقَعَ أَجْرُهُ عَلَى اللَّـهِ ۗ وَكَانَ اللَّـهُ غَفُورًا رَّحِيمًا
Whoso emigrates in the way of God will find in the earth many refuges and plenty; whoso goes forth from his house an emigrant to God and His Messenger, and then death overtakes him, his wage shall have fallen on God; surely God is All-forgiving, All-compassionate. (4:100)
Ignorance is not bliss
What may be the normal attitude to some living in the West, is not the way of the Purified HouseholdD, that is, ignorance is in fact not bliss, and to turn away from knowledge in order to use that as an excuse is not even acceptable to those who propagate the idea in their own courts of law.
Imam Al-Saddiq PBUH has been narrated to have said:
Learn your religion, for the one from among you who does not is an “Aarabi”, for Allahﷻ says in His Holy Book:
يَتَفَقَّهُوا فِي الدِّينِ وَلِيُنذِرُوا قَوْمَهُمْ إِذَا رَجَعُوا إِلَيْهِمْ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَحْذَرُون
(to become learned in religion, and to warn their people when they return to them, that haply they may beware?) (9:122)[3]
Imam Al-Saddiq PBUH is also narrated to have said to his companions:
Obligated upon you is the learning of the religion of Allahﷻ, do not become “Aa’rab”, for the one who does not become learned in the religion of Allahﷻ, Allahﷻ will not look upon him on the Day of Resurrection and nor will their deeds be of any benefit.[4]
A Greater Sin
The narrations that forbid being in a state of “Taa’rub” after migration are numerous[5] and is considered to be a Greater Sin.
Based on the narration from Muhammad bin Muslim from Abi Abd Allah PBUH[6]:
Greater Sins are seven:1. The intentional killing of a believer
2. Accusing a believing woman, who is not an adulterer, to be one.
3. To turn your back in escape on enemy army on the battlefield.
4. Attaa’rub after migration.
5. Oppressively consuming the wealth of the orphan.
6. Consuming usury after it was forbidden.
7. And everything that Allahﷻ obligated the punishment of Hellfire to.
[1] Bihar Al-Anwar V19:P31 and Mizan Al-Hikmah V4 P3431
[2] Tafsir Al-Mizan V5:56
[3] (Usool Al Kafi – اصول الكافي) V1:p31
[4] (Usool Al Kafi – اصول الكافي) V1:P31
[5] Reaching the level of certainty in its authenticity – “Al Tawatur.”
[6] علي بن إبراهيم، عن محمد بن عيسى، عن يونس، عن عبد الله بن مسكان، عن محمد بن مسلم، عن أبي عبد الله (عليه السلام) قال: سمعته يقول: الكبائر سبع: قتل المؤمن متعمدا وقذف المحصنة، والفرار من الزحف، والتعرب بعد الهجرة، وأكل مال اليتيم ظلما، وأكل الربا بعد البينة وكل ما أوجب الله عليه النار. Al-Kafi V2:P277
