Islamic Perspectives on Climate Migration

Reinterpreting Hijrah and Dar al-Aman in the Context of Pakistan’s Climate-Displaced Populations

Abstract

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This article examines the phenomenon of climate-induced displacement in Pakistan through the lens of Islamic ethical and legal traditions. With Pakistan ranked among the top ten most climate-vulnerable countries globally, recurring floods, droughts, sea intrusion, and glacial melt have displaced millions, creating a new category of migrants often overlooked in both policy and religious discourse. Drawing upon classical Islamic concepts—particularly Hijrah (migration for moral or existential preservation) and Dar al-Aman (abode of safety)—this study proposes a faith-based framework for understanding, legitimizing, and responding to climate migration. By reinterpreting these concepts in light of contemporary environmental crises, the article argues that Islamic jurisprudence offers robust ethical imperatives for protecting climate-displaced persons, ensuring their dignity, and assigning communal responsibility for their welfare. The analysis is grounded in Pakistan’s socio-ecological realities, constitutional commitments, and Islamic identity, offering policy-relevant insights for state and non-state actors. The study concludes that an islamically informed approach to climate migration can strengthen national resilience, uphold human dignity, and fulfill Pakistan’s obligations under both Shariah and international humanitarian norms.