Q 1: A questioner asks: It has been noticed recently that many young Muslims tend to travel to nonMuslim countries either to study or for some other reason. Some of them are newcomers to Islam. Do you think that they are in need of a department or an authority to supervise and direct them to the right path and look after their affairs, so that this department could be linked either to the General Presidency for Scholarly Research and Ifta' or to the Muslim League? May Allah reward you.
A: There is no doubt that traveling abroad may have dangerous consequences for students, whether they are originally Muslims or new converts, so it should be avoided. People should beware of its serious consequences. We have written and warned several times against traveling abroad, and we have also clarified the risks of doing that. However, if traveling becomes inevitable, those who are inclined to travel should have profound knowledge and deep perception of their religion. They should be accompanied by supervisors to monitor and supervise their behavior to prevent them from deviating to evil paths. Moreover, this should be carefully considered, and followed up until it is accomplished, since it is a great danger for a preparatory, high school, college student, or whoever falls under this ruling in doing this. Accordingly, all fields of specialization should exist inside the country to substitute for traveling abroad. Yet, if it becomes necessary to travel abroad, then students should be selected depending on their level of virtue, knowledge, prudence, and uprightness in religion. They must also be monitored, watched and fostered until they return home provided that
the field of specialization required is of great importance and does not exist inside the country. We ask Allah (Exalted be He) to guide our rulers to good and to support the people of knowledge in fulfilling their duty.