Is it permissible for a Muslim to live in the lands of disbelievers if he is able to manifest the religion?

Question:
He says: Some of the students of knowledge say that it is permissible for a Muslim to live in the lands of disbelievers, provided he is able to manifest the religion. Is there a valid basis for this statement?

Answer:
This is the opinion of the scholars: if he is able to manifest his religion, he calls people to Allah, enjoining good and forbidding evil. This is manifesting the religion: enjoining good and forbidding evil. This is if he is capable of it. In that case, his remaining in the lands of disbelievers is better, because he calls people to Allah and explains this religion. But if he is not able to manifest his religion, it is not permissible for him to reside in the lands of shirk (associating partners with Allah) except to the extent of dire necessity. If he is unable to migrate, he holds fast to his religion until he is able, then he migrates. Except for the weak among men, women, and children who are unable to find a way out or find a path. As for those, perhaps Allah will forgive them, and Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.