Jamia Naeemia issues fatwa against 'dunki' travel after migrant tragedy

A fatwa declares attempting to leave the country illegally is forbidden.

Listen to article

Jamia Naeemia has issued a fatwa declaring the use of "dunki" (illegal immigration methods) to travel abroad as both unlawful and contrary to Islamic principles, Express News reported.

The fatwa comes in the wake of a heartbreaking incident in which up to 50 migrants, including 44 Pakistanis, are feared to have perished while attempting to reach Spain from West Africa.

The tragic event occurred when a boat carrying 86 migrants, including 66 Pakistanis, set sail from Mauritania on January 2.

The vessel was reported to have faced severe distress during its 13-day journey, with no rescue assistance. Moroccan authorities rescued 36 survivors on Wednesday.

Helena Maleno, CEO of the migrant rights group Walking Borders, confirmed the loss of 44 Pakistani lives, describing the harrowing journey as one marked by suffering and anguish.

In the fatwa, signed by Dr. Mufti Raghib Hussain Naeemi and Mufti Imran Hanafi, Jamia Naeemia declared that attempting to leave the country through illegal means is forbidden, both legally and according to Sharia.

The scholars emphasised that such actions violate the Islamic prohibition on self-harm and actions that lead to it. "Suicide and any act that leads to it are strictly forbidden in Islam," the fatwa stated. "Endangering oneself or engaging in actions that may result in harm or death is never permissible."

The fatwa further advised individuals seeking to travel abroad to do so through legal and safe channels, while condemning the role of agents who profit from illegal immigration schemes.

The scholars also called on the government to enact stronger laws against such agents and to protect citizens from dangerous and exploitative practices.