Refugees
Etymology and Translations
- Arabic: لاجئون (lāji’ūn)
- Turkish: mülteciler
Definition
In Islamic tradition, refuges are individuals who have been forced to flee their homes due to persecution, conflict, or natural disasters, seeking safety and asylum in other regions or countries.
Historical Islamic Model for Asylum
The Islamic model for granting asylum to refugees centers around the unqualified hospitality shown by the residents of Medina (the Medinans) to Prophet Muhammad and his followers during the hijrah (migration) from Mecca. This model reflects a vital episode from early Islamic history that underscores the significance of compassion and support for the persecuted.
Quranic Basis
The Qur’an explicitly addresses the notion of refuge and asylum. One notable verse is:
<p>“Whoever emigrates for the sake of God will find much refuge and abundance of the earth” (Quran 4:100).</p>
Historical Instances
1. Medieval Muslim Societies: In various eras, Muslim societies have welcomed refugees from different backgrounds:
- During the Spanish Inquisition, countless Jewish families found refuge in Muslim-ruled territories.
- During World War II, many Jews escaping the Holocaust found safety in Muslim-majority regions.
2. Modern Contexts:
- Conflicts in recent decades involving countries such as Syria, Afghanistan, and Iraq have led to significant movements of refugees seeking asylum in neighboring Muslim-majority countries.
Cultural and Legal Implications
Islamic law (Sharia) emphasizes the moral responsibility of providing protection and assistance to those seeking refuge. Just as the hospitality of the Medinans has become a profound and enduring symbol in Islamic tradition, it legally entrenches the concept of asylum in a framework characterized by profound compassion and equity.
Books for Further Studies
- “No Refuge: Ethics and the Global Refugee Crisis” by Serena Parekh
- “City of Strangers: Gulf Migration and the Indian Community in Bahrain” by Andrew M. Gardner
- “Refugees and the Asylum Dilemma in the West” by Angela McCarthy
- “Muslim Women and Refugees: Beyond Borders and Above Screening” by Sumayia Kazi
Takeaways
- The example set by the Medinans during the hijrah is emblematic of the Islamic ethos towards refugees.
- Key Quranic verses affirms the duty towards individuals compelled to migrate for survival.
- Historical Muslim societies have consistently opened their doors to refugees from various oppressive regimes and tumultuous circumstances.
- Islamic law (Sharia) codifies the support and protection for refugees, enshrining these values within its ethical and legal frameworks.
Conclusion
The tradition of granting asylum to refugees in Islam is deeply rooted in its historical precedence, scriptural endorsements, and legal frameworks, stressing a universal and compassionate outlook towards human suffering and displacement. This strong ethical obligation persists in modern times, reflecting the same enduring values of empathy and solidarity that guided historical actions.
