How does the place of residence (watan al-iqama) become void?

Question

For the place of residence (watan al-iqama) to become void, is any journey whatsoever sufficient, or [is] some particular journey [required]? Likewise, is [entering] the original homeland (watan asli) as such sufficient, or [is] some particular situation [required]? If someone leaves his belongings in his place of residence and sets out on a journey intending to come back, or goes to his original homeland, will the place of residence remain or become void?

Answer

The place of residence (watan al-iqama) becomes void through a legal (shar‘i) journey; for this it is not necessary that [the person] emigrate from the place of residence with no intention of ever coming there again. [It is so even when] he has left that place while his belongings remain there.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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