The migration of people – individuals, families, and tribes – has molded and transformed humanity’s history. People have migrated for a number of reasons, including economic, political among others. What is the Islamic moral and legal perspective on the challenges faced by migrants who are imprisoned for entering countries illegally?

While migration stories can be traced back to the dawn of time, it is important to remember that migration is a fundamental right. “Even if they have eyes,” it is stated, “the stranger is hindered.” This reveals the stranger’s weakness and implies that he or she requires assistance and direction. Also, in need of protection is the stranger. Strangers might not be imprisoned in a more developed version.

The Islamic concept of human rights includes the concept of migration, which includes the seeking for sanctuary for political and nonpolitical causes. Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him) departed Makkah in 621 AD. in search of safety in the city of Madinah. The Hijrah, or migration, became a symbol for the journey of believers from oppressive hands to those of safety and peace.

Today, this could be the transfer of believers and non-believers from the land of the deficit to their preferred destination for political or economic reasons. All human beings are considered immigrants in Islam because Adam, the father of humanity, migrated from heaven to earth.

The Noble Qur’an mentions downtrodden and vulnerable people on Earth and advises that they migrate from their oppressive circumstances to God Almighty’s other place. “Was not the earth of God spacious enough for you to flee for a refugee?” says the verse. (4:97)

Because God is the proprietor of the land, the verse above implies that those in positions of authority should look after migrants. As a result, authorities should feel a sense of closeness and openness toward migrants, and hence open their borders to them. Because human migration will never end and will last as long as humans live on this planet, countries must always play a role in assisting migrants.

To summarize, migration is a basic human right! Regardless of nationality, religious background, race, political or economic status, every migrant is a human being. Sort them decently, and perhaps camp them somewhere so that they can be sent home but not imprisoned.