Jamia Naeemia has issued a fatwa declaring the use of ‘dunki’ (illegal immigration methods) to travel abroad as both illegal and against Islamic principles, Express News reported.
The fatwa follows a heartbreaking incident in which up to 50 migrants, including 44 Pakistanis, are believed to have died while trying 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 ship was reported to have faced serious distress during its 13-day voyage, without any rescue assistance. Moroccan authorities rescued 36 survivors on Wednesday.
Helena Maleno, CEO of migrant rights group Walking Borders, confirmed the loss of 44 Pakistani lives, describing the harrowing journey as marked by suffering and anguish.
In the fatwa, signed by Mufti Raghib Hussain Naeemi and Mufti Imran Hanafi, Jamia Naeemia said it is prohibited to attempt to leave the country through illegal means, both legally and according to Sharia law.
Scholars have pointed out that such actions violate the Islamic prohibition of self-harm and actions that lead to it. “Suicide and any act leading to it are strictly prohibited in Islam,” the fatwa said. “It is never permitted to put oneself in danger or engage in actions that could result in injury or death.”
The fatwa further advises those wishing to travel abroad to do so through legal and safe channels, while condemning the role of agents who profit from illegal immigration schemes.
The academics also called on the government to enact stricter laws against these agents and protect citizens from dangerous and exploitative practices.
