But if his religious commitment is weaker there, moving is better for him. This is the case with most people, for most do not resist, but instead follow the religion of the majority.

Since this is so, Islam and its prescribed practices are more manifest in al-Shām (Greater Syria) at this time than elsewhere. This is known through observation and reason, and is virtually agreed upon among discerning Muslims endowed with knowledge and faith. The scriptural texts also indicate this.

For example, Abū Dāwūd relates in his Sunan that ‘Abd Allāh ibn ‘Amr reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“There will be an emigration after an emigration, and the best people on earth will be those who remain closest to the land to which Abraham emigrated.”

Also in his Sunan, ‘Abd Allāh ibn Khawla reports that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“You will form armies: an army in al-Shām, an army in Yemen, and an army in Iraq.” Ibn Khawla said, “O Messenger of Allah, choose for me.” He replied, “Go to al-Shām, for it is Allah’s chosen portion of His earth, to which He draws the choicest of His creation. Whoever refuses should go to Yemen and beware of its treachery. Allah has undertaken for me to care for al-Shām and its people.”

Al-Khawālī used to say: “Whoever Allah undertakes to care for will not be neglected.” These are two explicit texts establishing the superiority of al-Shām.

In Muslim, Abū Hurayra, may Allah be pleased with him, reports that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“The people of the west will remain triumphant, unharmed by those who oppose or abandon them, until the Hour comes.”

Imam Ahmad said: “The people of the west are the people of al-Shām.” It is as he said, for this was the usage of the people of the Prophet’s city at that