The scholars say that we cannot imitate the kufar in traditions,cloathing etc...
I wish that was more detailed. In my culture, candles are disliked becasue the kufis use them when they pray to :zip:
What is my question?
Give me as much information as you can.
I think the meaning is that we shouldn't follow their bad deeds, imitating the good ones is fine.
Welcome to the forum.
How do you know they are good deeds you're imitating?
For example, Resul,saws, told us to eat with three fingers, but here, everyone eats with a fork for example, and you would adopt that. It is not haram to eat with a spoon etc but it is better to eat the way Resul,saws, did.
Powerful articles. I must thank you for sharing sister.May Allah reward you. I would like to paste it.
Guidelines concerning imitation of the kuffaar
What are the definitions of imitating the west? Does everything that is modern and new and has come to us from the west imply imitation of them? In other words, when can we say that something is haraam because it is an imitation of the kuffaar?.
Praise be to Allaah.
It was narrated that Ibn ‘Umar said: “The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: ‘Whoever imitates a people is one of them.’” (Narrated by Abu Dawood, al-Libaas, 3512. Al-Albaani said in Saheeh Abi Dawood, (it is) hasan saheeh. No. 3401).
Al-Munaawi and al-‘Alqami said: i.e., dressing as they dress, following their way of life in clothes and some of the things they do.
Al-Qaari said: i.e., whoever imitates the kuffaar, such as in how one dresses, etc., or imitates the evil and immoral people, or the Sufis or the righteous, is one of the people whom he imitates, whether they are good or bad.
Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah said in al-Siraat al-Mustaqeem: Imaam Ahmad and others quoted this hadeeth as evidence. This hadeeth at the very least implies that it is haraam to imitate them, as Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“... And if any amongst you takes them [Jews and Christians] as Awliyaa’ [friends, helpers]), then surely, he is one of them…”
[al-Maa’idah 5:51]
This is similar to the view of ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Amr who said: “Whoever settles in the land of the mushrikeen and celebrates their Nawroz (new year) and Mahrajaan (festival) and imitates them until he dies will be gathered with them on the Day of Resurrection.” This may be interpreted as referring to absolute imitation which implies kufr and as meaning that imitation in part is therefore haraam; or it may be interpreted as meaning that he is one of them to the extent that he imitates them, whether it is in ideas of kufr, sin or partaking in a ritual. It was narrated from Ibn ‘Umar that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) forbade imitating the non-Arabs and said, “Whoever imitates a people is one of them.” This was also mentioned by al-Qaadi Abu Ya’laa. This was quoted by more than one of the scholars to show that it is makrooh to imitate forms of dress of the non-Muslims which are not known among the Muslims.
See ‘Awn al-Ma’bood Sharh Sunan Abi Dawood.
Imitating the kuffaar falls into two categories:
Imitation that is haraam and imitation that is permitted:
The first type is imitation that is haraam: this means knowingly doing things that are unique characteristics of the religion of the kuffaar and that have not been referred to in our religion. This is haraam and it may be a major sin; in some cases a person may even become a kaafir by doing that, according to the evidence, whether a person does that because he agrees with the kuffaar, or because of his whims and desires, or because of some specious arguments which make him feel that doing it will being him benefit in this world and the next. If it is asked, is the one who does that out of ignorance a sinner, such as one who celebrates Christmas? The answer is that the one who is ignorant is not a sinner because he was unaware, but he has to be told, and if he persists he becomes a sinner.
The second type is imitation that is permissible. This means doing something which is not originally taken from the kuffaar, but the kuffaar do it too. This does not involve a prohibition on resembling them, but one may miss out on the benefits of differing from them.
Imitating or resembling the People of the Book (Jews and Christians) and others with regard to worldly matters is permissible only when the following conditions are met:
1 – That should not be any of their traditions or rituals by which they are distinguished.
2 – That should not be part of their religion. A matter can be proven to be part of their religion though a trustworthy source, such as an aayah of the Qur’aan or a hadeeth of His Messenger, or via well-established reports, such as the prostration of greeting which was permitted to the previous nations.
3 – That should not be anything in Islam which refers specifically to that matter. If there is a specific reference in Islam, either approving or disapproving of it, then we must follow what our religion says about it.
4 – This resemblance should not lead to going against any of the commands of sharee’ah.
5 – That should not involve celebrating any of their festivals.
6 – The resemblance should be only according to what is needed, and no more.
See al-Sunan wa’l-Athaar fi’l-Nahy ‘an al-Tashabbuh bi’l-Kuffaar by Suhayl Hasan, p. 58-59
Welcome to the forum.
How do you know they are good deeds you're imitating?
For example, Resul,saws, told us to eat with three fingers, but here, everyone eats with a fork for example, and you would adopt that. It is not haram to eat with a spoon etc but it is better to eat the way Resul,saws, did.
Some things are obvious we should not imitate. Those are the things we know to be haram such as drinking alcohol or eating pork. For things that do not appear to be haram, I believe the question we need to ask our selves is "Why do we want to do it?"
There is a fine line between imitating and doing out of practicality. Because a Muslim does something that is commonly done by Kufar does not in itself mean we are doing it to imitate them, it can simply be the best, most logical or the only way to do it. Our reason and intent for doing a thing is a good guide to see if we are doing it to imitate.
A good thing to remember is:
Surah Al-Maeda
5:87. O ye who believe! make not unlawful the good things which Allah hath made lawful for you, but commit no excess: for Allah loveth not those given to excess. S P
C
Yusuf Ali's Quran Translation
On a further note:
In Madinah certain Muslims showed a tendency toward asceticism, denying themselves some permissible pleasures. Then, in order to keep them within the limits set by Himself and bring them back to the straight path of Islam, Allah revealed the following strongly-worded verses: You who believe! Do not make haram the good things which Allah has made halal for you, and do not transgress; indeed, Allah does not like the transgressors. And eat of what Allah has provided for you, lawful and good, and fear Allah, in Whom you are believers. (5:87-88)
Thanks brother. Excellent reminder. However, I am saying that we should imitate Arabs(those in the early three generations). Not foreigners. Muslims lead they aren't led.Thanks
if you happen to wear the same clothing or use the same peripheral or apparatus due to necessity and convenience then whats the harm? however if you do it to "FIT IN" and "JOIN THE CROWD" then that is entirely another matter.
Its all in the intention..
Assalamu Alaikum
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My tears testify that i have a heart
yet i feel me and shaytan never part
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On the presumption that you believe that Sheikh Xyz is stating the will of God. . .
Why does God decree that Muslims look and act differently from non-Muslims?
Is it because everything the non-Muslims do is bad?
Is it because non-Muslims are the enemy and there is a need to be able to identify friend from foe?
Some other reason?
Thanks brother. Excellent reminder. However, I am saying that we should imitate Arabs(those in the early three generations). Not foreigners. Muslims lead they aren't led.Thanks
True we should be as much like them as possible. In that aspect the Ahadeeth are probably our best guides.
At the same time we must remember that some of the life they lived is unique to Arabs living in a desert climate and can not be duplicated elsewhere. While we can not imitate their physical aspects of life we can strive to imitate their worship and love of Allaah(swt)
On the presumption that you believe that Sheikh Xyz is stating the will of God. . .
we are not christians, we only take from the words of our beloved Prophet sallallahi alaihi wasallaam and from the Quran, if anything a sheikh says contradicts islam we reject it !
Why does God decree that Muslims look and act differently from non-Muslims?
To distinguish us and keep the influential minimal (are a few reasons im sure God knows best and there are many more).
Is it because everything the non-Muslims do is bad?
They live in defiance of God. So naturally they are not in the Guidance of God, so we differ out of fear that following their ways - may lead to following misguidance. Makes sense?
-
My tears testify that i have a heart
yet i feel me and shaytan never part
-
On the presumption that you believe that Sheikh Xyz is stating the will of God. . .
Why does God decree that Muslims look and act differently from non-Muslims?
Is it because everything the non-Muslims do is bad?
Is it because non-Muslims are the enemy and there is a need to be able to identify friend from foe?
Some other reason?
On the presumption that you believe that Sheikh Xyz is stating the will of God. . .
Shaik X,Y,Z, is stating a fatwa."A fatwa is an Islamic religious ruling, a scholarly opinion on a matter of Islamic law." God does will what He does, but we choose to do what we do.
Why does God decree that Muslims look and act differently from non-Muslims?
God gave us all free will to be what we want to be. But God invites us all to be Muslims. Someone who submits him/her self to the will of God.This question I'll try to answer below.
Is it because everything the non-Muslims do is bad?
How should we live? What is justice? ...
If God gives you life He gives you a way of life(Islam e.i. submition to God). True Muslims try their best to satisfy God while trying and avoiding to the highest degree that what dissatisfies God. As simple as that. We do not hate you or think that you're bad. You simply follow your desired and us try our best to stay away from any temptation for example.
Is it because non-Muslims are the enemy and there is a need to be able to identify friend from foe?
That is true in a way. but God has hdden a great portion to His commands. If you exclude yourself from Islam then: Al-Kafiroon
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
Say: O disbelievers! (1) I worship not that which ye worship; (2) Nor worship ye that which I worship. (3) And I shall not worship that which ye worship. (4) Nor will ye worship that which I worship. (5) Unto you your religion, and unto me my religion. (6)
I basicly elaborated what Sents of Jennah had said.
we are not christians, we only take from the words of our beloved Prophet sallallahi alaihi wasallaam and from the Quran, if anything a sheikh says contradicts islam we reject it !
So are you saying that in this instance the Sheikh is differing from the teachings of the Qu’ran?
format_quote Originally Posted by IbnAbdulHakim
To distinguish us and keep the influential minimal (are a few reasons im sure God knows best and there are many more).
So are you saying that God wants you to appear differently but you don’t know why?
format_quote Originally Posted by IbnAbdulHakim
They live in defiance of God. So naturally they are not in the Guidance of God, so we differ out of fear that following their ways - may lead to following misguidance. Makes sense?
It only makes sense if you are so insecure in your beliefs and your commitment is so weak that you fear that wearing similar clothes (for example) will lead you astray.
I am back.
At first, let me change Kufar into Westerner because I think kufar is too rude.
I tried to collect some statement from Indonesian Ulamas regarding imitating the westerner.
Imitating westerner are :
- Use foreign language as main language. In example : Indonesian, living in Indonesia but always speak English with another Indonesian.
- Celebrating non Islamic new year and other non Islamic event like valentine day.
- Use candlestick without necessary. I.e : for decoration or as a symbol of something (peace, dead victim in tragedy, etc), but Muslims are allowed to use candlestick as a light in the dark or for prevent flies come to lunch table.
- Painting body with tattoo. Permanent or temporary.
- Having girlfriend / boyfriend. Engagement.
- Adopt western weeding style and wear western weeding dress.
- (For women) Have conception, career is first, family and marriage is second. I.e : Refuse to marry, refuse to having baby, refuse to take care husband and children, and spend her time, attention and concentration only for career.
- Adopt non-Islamic views/concepts such as secularism, liberalism and similar views/concepts. But learn these views/concepts is allowed.
- Imitating western persons. I.e coloring hair like westerner or change a face with plastic surgery to make it looked like westerner.
- Naming baby with full western name.
- Wear inappropriate dress like sexy dress, or wear inappropriate accessories like punk accessories, wear earring for men, etc.
- Have a conception, western is better than eastern.
- Extreme feminism.
Extreme concept of feminism : men and women are equal in every matter.
- Take an inappropriate westerner as an idol, such as rock singer, sexy actress.
- Accept woman as a leader of the people.
- Thinking, use condom is the best way to prevent AIDS.
(Because the best way to prevent AIDS is not committing free sex).
- And many more.
Mostly Indonesian Ulamas say, not every matter that come from western is bad. Muslims can accept (not adopt) western culture but must selective. Take only the good, leave everything that bad.
That means
- Muslims can eat western foods such as spaghetti, sandwich, steak as long as these food are halal. And Muslims are allowed to use fork and knife in eating.
- Muslims are allowed to wear western style clothes as long as those clothes as appropriate. Muslim women can wear pants/trouser if necessary but must wear hijab. (In Muslim hospital, nurses wear pants because if they wear long Muslimah dress, they cannot run fast in case of emergency).
- Muslims are allowed to naming their baby with western names that has modified to local name, but must mixed with local name. Example of this western names are Dani, Rudi, Toni, etc.
- Muslims are allowed to learn western knowledge but must reject everything that against Islam. I.e, Muslims can learn evolution theory but not for believe human is cousin of ape.
How should we live? What is justice? ...
If God gives you life He gives you a way of life(Islam e.i. submition to God). True Muslims try their best to satisfy God while trying and avoiding to the highest degree that what dissatisfies God. As simple as that. We do not hate you or think that you're bad. You simply follow your desired and us try our best to stay away from any temptation for example.
Indeed but you have not answered my question – why does God want Muslims to dress differently from non-Muslims. Is it simply that you have been told by a scholar that this is what He wants but you not know why He wants that?
It only makes sense if you are so insecure in your beliefs and your commitment is so weak that you fear that wearing similar clothes (for example) will lead you astray.
Again, we try our best to satisfy God and try our best to not displease Him. This is not about me fearing its about me desiring to please God.I hope this is clear to you.
Indeed but you have not answered my question – why does God want Muslims to dress differently from non-Muslims. Is it simply that you have been told by a scholar that this is what He wants but you not know why He wants that?
It was narrated that Ibn ‘Umar said: “The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: ‘Whoever imitates a people is one of them.’” (Narrated by Abu Dawood, al-Libaas, 3512. Al-Albaani said in Saheeh Abi Dawood, (it is) hasan saheeh. No. 3401
Would you imitate a Muslim? Why would you dress like a Muslim scholar for example?I mean comon. What kind of a question is this? Why don't you run oround naked?
It only makes sense if you are so insecure in your beliefs and your commitment is so weak that you fear that wearing similar clothes (for example) will lead you astray.
Dear sir,
how is one to reply to such a statement? other then saying that... you simply underestimate the devil and his plotting.
It takes a glance to fall into fornication,
it takes a sip to of whine to fall into insanity,
it takes a thought.. to fall into corruption.
this of course isnt for every situation, but the Devil is certainly capable of seducing the best of us towards it. Thus we follow "Prevention before Cure".
I hope that clarifies it a bit more
-
My tears testify that i have a heart
yet i feel me and shaytan never part
-
On the presumption that you believe that Sheikh Xyz is stating the will of God. . .
Why does God decree that Muslims look and act differently from non-Muslims?
Is it because everything the non-Muslims do is bad?
Is it because non-Muslims are the enemy and there is a need to be able to identify friend from foe?
Some other reason?
Some of each seems to apply. To understand you will need to view the world as being either Muslim or non-Muslim. That does not mean we can not co-exist.
As Muslims we do believe things non-Muslims do not believe. As a result of living our beliefs, we do eat, dress and act different from non-Muslims to some extent. Without the observable differences we would not be Muslim. A Muslim who attempts to appear as a non-Muslim is doing so at the risk of doing things in violation of his/her beliefs. While a foe would be a non-Muslim it does not mean all non-Muslims are foes. Muslims and non-Muslims have a long history of co-existing together even with each retaining their own identity. While to some degree it can be said that our differences in appearance serves to distinguish foe from friend that is more incidental than intentional. It is true we do see all Muslims as being of the same Ummah and that our differences do serve to help us recognize our Brothers and Sisters in Islam. But that is not our primary goal. Our differences in appearance is no more than our desire to obey Allaah(swt) as best as we can.
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