Did anyone choose to stay in their home country because of Islam?

For those of you who seriously considered moving to the West for university and better-paying jobs but ultimately decided not to because of Islam, I’d really like to hear your experience.

I’ve heard people say that living in the West can put you through a lot of fitnah and that it can gradually affect your deen, especially when you’re young and living independently.

My main reasons for considering the West are pretty straightforward: education, career opportunities, and higher salaries.

For those who actually made this decision, whether you moved or stayed:

• Did you feel that living in the West affected your Islam or iman?
• Was it difficult to maintain your values there?
• If you stayed in your home country, do you regret giving up the opportunities abroad?
• If you moved abroad, do you think the benefits outweighed the religious challenges?
• Looking back, would you make the same decision again?

I’m genuinely trying to understand this from people who have actually experienced it, rather than just hearing general opinions.

If you were in my position, would you stay in your home country or go abroad for education and career opportunities?