The Criterion for Manifesting the Religion and Residing in Lands of Disbelievers

Question:
We often hear that residing in the lands of disbelievers is not permissible if one is unable to manifest the religion. What is the criterion for manifesting the religion? And is residing in the lands of disbelievers while calling to Allah better than migrating to the lands of Muslims?

Answer:
Manifesting the religion, as the scholars have explained, is that you call to Allah and clarify the truth to the people. This is manifesting the religion: that you engage in the call to Allah and convey the Qur'an and the Sunnah to the people. It is not manifesting the religion if they leave you to pray and fast and do not object to you. No, that is not manifesting the religion. Manifesting the religion is calling to Allah, clarifying the truth, and refuting falsehood, while employing wisdom, good exhortation, and arguing in the best manner. If this is achieved, then you reside in the lands of disbelievers because you are manifesting your religion. As for which is better, migration or remaining in the lands of disbelievers for the call to Allah? There is no doubt that the call to Allah is required. So if there is an opportunity for the call to Allah in the lands of disbelievers, then you reside there; you reside there because the fruit is greater than if you migrate to the lands of Muslims. This is because Allah will guide through you whom He wills, and you establish the proof against the people by conveying the call of the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him). Yes, may Allah reward you.