What is the ruling regarding acquiring the citizenship of a non-Muslim country? The inquirer is a Muslim Moroccan, residing with his family — his wife and seven children — in France, where he works. In order for him and his family to enjoy the rights and privileges granted to French citizens, they must acquire the French citizenship. The inquirer seeks the ruling of Islamic law on whether obtaining French citizenship for himself and his family is permissible or prohibited.

 It is permissible to acquire the citizenship of a non-Muslim country when there is a necessity, provided it does not compromise one’s religion or the essence of one’s belief, does not prevent one from fulfilling the obligations of Islam, and does not negatively affect the beliefs of one’s family.

Accordingly, there is no objection in Islamic law for the inquirer and his family to acquire French citizenship so that they may enjoy the legal rights afforded to French citizens, as long as this acquisition bears no impact on the fundamentals of Islam and does not hinder them from fully performing their religious duties. Otherwise, it is impermissible.

And Allah Almighty knows best.