Jamia Naeemia has issued a fatwa declaring that the use of “dunki” (illegal immigration methods) to travel abroad is illegal and contrary to Islamic principles, Express News reported.
The fatwa comes after a harrowing incident in which up to 50 migrants, including 44 Pakistanis, are feared to have died while trying to reach Spain from West Africa.
The tragic event occurred when a boat carrying 86 immigrants, including 66 Pakistanis, left Mauritania on January 2.
The ship reportedly faced serious problems during its 13-day voyage, with no rescue assistance. Moroccan authorities rescued 36 survivors on Wednesday.
Helena Maleno, executive director of migrant rights group Walking Borders, confirmed the loss of 44 Pakistani lives and described 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 stated that attempting to leave the country by illegal means is prohibited, both legally and according to Sharia.
The scholars emphasized that such actions violate the Islamic prohibition on self-harm and actions leading to it. “Suicide and any act leading to it are strictly prohibited in Islam,” the fatwa states. “You are never allowed to put yourself in danger or take actions that could result in harm or death.”
The fatwa further advises people wishing to travel abroad to do so through legal and safe channels, while condemning the role of agents who benefit from illegal immigration schemes.
The academics also called on the government to enact stricter laws against such agents and protect citizens from dangerous and exploitative practices.
