BENEFIT 247: The meaning of the Prophet's saying:

((أنا بريء من كل مسلم يقيم بين أظهر المشركين. قالوا: يا رسول الله، لم؟ قال: لا تراءى ناراهما)) "I am free from every Muslim who lives among the polytheist." [Reported by Abū Dāwūd & Tirmithī] Question: May Allāh reward you. The questioner asks: What is the authenticity of the [following] ḥadīth and its correct understanding: On the authority of Jarīr, may Allah be pleased with him, who said that the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ said: "I am free from every Muslim who lives among the polytheists." Additionally, what is the ruling on obtaining foreign citizenship (I.e. From the lands of the disbelievers)? Sheikh Ṣāliḥ Al-Fawzān ḥafidhahullāh: Yes, the ḥadīth is authentic and it applies to those who live among the polytheists but are unable to manifest their religion, or who cannot practice their religion. In such cases, it is not permissible for them to reside among the polytheists. It is only permissible if they are able to openly practice their religion. Otherwise, the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ disavows those who live among them while being unable to manifest their religion. As for obtaining the citizenship of non-Muslims, this is not permissible. There have been rulings issued by Islamic Fiqh councils, such as the Islamic Fiqh Council in Makkah, affiliated with the Muslim World League, prohibiting the acquisition of the citizenship of non-Muslims. This is because if a Muslim acquires their citizenship, they are subject to their laws and systems, and they become subjugated to them, which is impermissible. However, it is permissible for a Muslim to reside in such countries without acquiring citizenship if necessary and if they are able to manifest their religion. Yes, it is permissible if they are compelled to reside there and are able to manifest their religion. _ Another exception is found in the statement of Allāh ﷻ: { إِلَّا ٱلۡمُسۡتَضۡعَفِینَ مِنَ ٱلرِّجَالِ وَٱلنِّسَاۤءِ وَٱلۡوِلۡدَ ٰ⁠نِ لَا یَسۡتَطِیعُونَ حِیلَةࣰ وَلَا یَهۡتَدُونَ سَبِیلࣰا (98) فَأُو۟لَـٰۤىِٕكَ عَسَى ٱللهُ أَن یَعۡفُوَ عَنۡهُمۡۚ وَكَانَ ٱللهُ عَفُوًّا غَفُورࣰا (99)} Except the weak ones among men, women and children who cannot devise a plan, nor are they able to direct their way. For those it is expected that Allāh will pardon them, and Allāh is ever Pardoning and Forgiving. [Sūrah An-Nisāʾ: 98-99] Sheikh Ibn Baz rahimahullah said: "If one is unable [to leave], he should fear Allāh [according to his ability]. If he is able, he should migrate, but if he is unable, he is excused." Source: https://binbaz.org.sa/fatwas/31057/%D9%85%D8%A7-%D9%85%D8%B9%D9%86%D9%89-%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%A7-%D8%A8%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%A1-%D9%85%D9%85%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%82%D8%A7%D9%85-%D8%A8%D9%8A%D9%86-%D8%A7%D8%B8%D9%87%D8%B1-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%B4%D8%B1%D9%83%D9%8A%D9%86#:~:text=%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AC%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%A8%3A,%D9%81%D9%87%D9%88%20%D9%85%D8%B9%D8%B0%D9%88%D8%B1%D8%8C%20%D9%84%D9%83%D9%86%20%D9%8A%D8%AA%D9%8E%D9%91%D9%82%D9%8A%20%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%84%D9%87. @almanhajussalafi