Islamic teachings generally require Muslims living in non-Muslim countries to obey the laws and authorities of the land as long as these rules do not force them to violate fundamental Islamic obligations or commit something explicitly forbidden (haram). This is based on the principle of fulfilling covenants and agreements. 

Key aspects of the Islamic teaching on this matter include:

• Fulfilling Covenants: 
  • When a Muslim enters a non-Muslim country, whether as a visitor, resident, or citizen, they are implicitly or explicitly agreeing to abide by that country’s laws (a form of covenant or a contract of mutual security).
    • Breaking this covenant (treachery) is considered a serious sin in Islam. The Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) adherence to the terms of the Treaty of Hudaibiyyah, even when they seemed unfavorable, is cited as evidence for this principle.
• Obedience to Authority: 
  • The Quranic verse (4:59) commands believers to
    • “obey Allah and
    • obey the Messenger
    • and those in authority among you”.
  • Muslim scholars universally interpret this as an explicit command to obey the local/governing authority, recognizing exceptions only if the law requires committing a severe sin (e.g., forcing them to drink alcohol or renounce their faith).
• Conflict of Laws:
  • No Conflict/Sharia Silent: If the secular law does not conflict with Sharia (e.g., traffic laws, public health guidelines), Muslims are obligated to follow the secular law.
  • Conflict: If a law requires a Muslim to do something forbidden (haram) or prevents them from doing something obligatory (fard), the Islamic ruling takes precedence. In such cases, the individual should try to find a legal way around the issue (e.g., through legal processes or conscientious objection).
• Migration as an Option: 
  • If a Muslim cannot practice their basic religious obligations safely and freely in a non-Muslim country and all peaceful avenues for resolution are exhausted, then
    • migration (hijra) to a country where they can practice their faith is an option
    • and, in some interpretations, an obligation.
• Civic Engagement: Modern Islamic jurisprudence for minorities (Fiqh al-Aqalliyyat) encourages Muslims to …
  • integrate into their societies,
  • participate in civic life (such as voting),
  • and contribute to the public interest (maslahah), provided it does not compromise Islamic fundamentals. The goal is to balance religious observance with being a productive citizen and to foster peaceful coexistence.
• Avoiding Sedition: Islam strictly forbids actions that lead to corruption (mafsadah) or sedition and sectarian intolerance within society, emphasizing the importance of maintaining national peace and order.
  • Acts of violence or terrorism against the host country are considered a violation of the covenant and thus forbidden.