Is it permissible to move women and children to dangerous border territories (Thughur)?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Jihad
Primary text
The established position of Abu Abdullah (Ahmad ibn Hanbal) is that it is disliked (*makruh*) to move women and children to dangerous border territories. This view is held by Al-Hasan and Al-Awza'i. The evidence provided is the report from Yazid ibn Abdullah, who stated that Umar said, "Do not settle Muslims on the banks of the sea." This ruling is based on the danger that the enemy might overcome those residing there, seizing the women and children. Abu Abdullah affirmed that such relocation risks sin, as one exposes their offspring to the polytheists. Furthermore, he stated he previously advised moving families to Al-Sham, but now forbids it because the decisive time (for conflict) is near, suggesting the end times are approaching.
Supporting text
It is understood that this prohibition applies to those not already residing in the border territories. For the established residents of the border posts, dwelling with their families is obligatory; otherwise, the borders would become depopulated and fall into ruin. The restriction is specifically applied to dangerous border posts, evidenced by the preference shown for residing in safe areas like Damascus, even though it is a border region, because safety for its inhabitants is generally assured there.