Muslim immigration bans: if a Muslim is asked "are you a Muslim" should they nevertheless say "yes"?
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One version of Donald Trump 's proposed immigration policies involves banning Muslim immigration from the USA:
> **One of Trump's most controversial proposals was his original plan for a "total and complete" temporary ban on foreign Muslims entering the United States.** Trump later changed his position by stating that the temporary ban would apply only to people originating from countries with a "proven history of terrorism against the United States or its allies", or countries "compromised by terrorism".
In Australian politics, we have a similar call from Senator Pauline Hanson :
> After the 2016 Orlando nightclub shooting, Hanson posted a video on her Facebook page **calling for a ban on Muslim immigration to Australia**.
How could this be implemented?
> Trump... has suggested that customs agents ask, "Are you a Muslim?" and turn away those who say yes. -- NewsMax
Which leads me to my question:
**Question**: In the context of Muslim immigration bans, it would be desirable for a Muslim to momentarily deny being a Muslim. If a Muslim is asked "are you a Muslim" should they nevertheless say "yes"?
I'd guess terrorists would have no qualms about lying to get through immigration. But what about the good Muslims? I personally would be unwilling to lie. Playing a role are:
- Taqiya , which Wikipedia describes as "denial of religious belief and practice in the face of persecution":
> Whoever disbelieves in Allah after his belief... except for one who is forced [to renounce his religion] while his heart is secure in faith. But those who [willingly] open their breasts to disbelief, upon them is wrath from Allah, and for them is a great punishment -- Qur'an 16:106
While negatives, being denied entry into the USA or Australia arguably does not seem sufficient to consider it as being "forced". So, by this logic, a Muslim should say "yes" and accept they're literally "going back to where they came from".
In fact, it may be that responding "no" could be interpreted as apostasy , although they could repent after getting through immigration. (And, technically, immigration wouldn't be letting in Muslims.)
- The Qur'an forbids (or, at least, strongly discourages) lying:
> Then whoever argues with you about it after [this] knowledge has come to you - say, "Come, let us call our sons and your sons, our women and your women, ourselves and yourselves, then supplicate earnestly [together] **and invoke the curse of Allah upon the liars [among us].**" -- Qur'an 3:61
> Unquestionably, for Allah is the pure religion. And those who take protectors besides Him [say], "We only worship them that they may bring us nearer to Allah in position." Indeed, Allah will judge between them concerning that over which they differ. **Indeed, Allah does not guide he who is a liar and [confirmed] disbeliever**. -- Qur'an 39:3
Asked by Rebecca J. Stones
(21049 rep)
Sep 1, 2016, 07:52 AM
Last activity: Sep 2, 2016, 11:13 AM
Last activity: Sep 2, 2016, 11:13 AM