Thread Approved
Got this from another forum..
First Khutbah
I advise you, as well as myself, to fear Allaah in times of prosperity and misfortune, in secret and in public: "O mankind! Worship your Lord, who created you and those before you, that you may become righteous." (Al Baqarah: 21).
O people! When a person meditates upon the histories of past nations and populations, he will be instantly amazed at the revolutions and transformations they went through. For instance, there was a pioneering nation (i.e., the Muslim nation) which led the world for many centuries but then, it faltered and lost its leading role; it fell in the midst of blind imitation and followed the paths of other nations in terms of manners and beliefs. Once it was at the acme of development and reached the highest level of power and glory, but it later fell to the lowest point and was afflicted with misery. It died after it had been living, deteriorated after it was once flourishing and withered after it was blossoming. It was the nation that discovered the sources of knowledge and developed the Islaamic civilization and sciences, which the West later obtained significantly, without having to exert the least of efforts. Thus it seems as if the gates towards progress had been shut off for the Muslims as they turned into artificial consumers of the Western civilization. They even began to adopt certain features of it, which were originally theirs but had been stolen away from them.
O Muslims! When a Muslim blindly imitates the West, he turns into a loyal supporter of their beliefs and customs; he is like one who tries to reform something but spoils it while he is unaware. He is just like a defeated follower, like a baby who bites and severs his mother's breast while it is in his mouth. Such a person does not know that blind copying of the West involves hidden hazards and that our rights, honor and dignity are violated by such imitation and imbecilic pride.
O Muslims! The Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: "You will imitate the nations before you very closely to the extent that if they went into a lizard's hole, you would enter it as well” his companions, may Allaah be pleased with them, inquired: “(Do you mean) the Jews and Christians, O Messenger of Allaah?” He sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam replied: "Who else?” (Bukhaari & Muslim). The Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam also said: "The Day of Judgment will not come until my Nation closely imitates the nations before them.” It was asked: “Like the Persians and Romans, Messenger of Allaah?” He sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam replied: "Who are the nations (I could mean) except those?” (Bukhaari).
The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam foretold that some of his nation will imitate the People of the Book, namely the Jews and Christians, as well as other non-Arabs, namely the Persians and Romans. Allaah says that which means: "[You disbelievers are] like those before you; they were stronger than you in power and more abundant in wealth and children. They enjoyed their portion [of worldly enjoyment], and you have enjoyed your portion as those before you enjoyed their portion, and you have engaged [in vanities] like that in which they engaged…" (At-Tawbah: 69). Ibn ‘Abbaas, may Allaah be pleased with him, commented on this verse by saying: “These are the Children of Israel that we will imitate.” Ibn Mas’ood, may Allaah be pleased with him, also said in this regard: “You are closely similar to the Children of Israel as far as outside appearance and manners are concerned, but I do not know whether you will worship the calf (as they did) or not.”
O servants of Allaah! The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam used to prohibit imitating other nations. It is worth mentioning that these traditions do not indicate that the entire Muslim nation will commit this sin as he sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam also foretold that a group of his nation will continue to stick to the Straight Path until the Day of Judgment.
The Muslims constitute the most guided and well-mannered nation in this life; and on the Day of Judgment Allaah will make them witnesses over all other nations as He says that which means: "And thus We have made you a median [i.e., just] community that you will be witnesses over the people and the Messenger will be a witness over you…" (Al-Baqarah: 143). Indeed, this is a very prestigious position. How is it, then, that Muslims imitate others in their customs, traditions and feasts? The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam even forbade the Muslims from acquiring religious information from the People of the Book; once, ‘Umar ibn Al-Khattaab, may Allaah be pleased with him, was reading some parts of one of the scriptures of the People of the Book to the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, so he got angry and said: "I have conveyed to you a clear religion. Do not ask them (the People of the Book) about anything, for they may tell you the truth while you belie them or they may lie and you might believe them. I swear by Him in Whose Hands is my soul, if Moosaa was alive, he would not have any choice but to follow me.” (Ahmad & Ibn Abi Shaybah).
Allaah made human beings and all other creatures accustomed to interacting with their similar counterparts. When the degree of similarity increases, such interaction and hence imitation in morals and characteristics becomes more complete, until it is hardly possible to distinguish between them. Accordingly, human beings are affected by each other and acquire each other's traits through cohabitation and imitation. It is also known that if a human being stays in the company of a certain type of animal, he would pick up some of its features; that is why, for example, those who tend camels are known for their pride and arrogance, while shepherds are known to be humble and calm, whereas those who raise both camels and mules acquire some of the bad attributes of both. Similarly, a domestic animal acquires some human characteristics, such as the ability to live with others.
Furthermore, when a person puts on the clothes usually worn by scholars, he may feel himself as somehow closer to them, because similarity and imitation in outward appearance leads to resemblance in inward characteristics such as personal characteristics and morals, as is witnessed in reality and is confirmed by Islaamic jurisprudence and common sense. In the old times, it was said: ‘Birds of a feather flock together’; this is a realistic proverb which conforms to the manner in which Allaah has formed His creation. The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam spoke the truth when he said: "Whoever imitates a people is one of them." (Ahmad & Abu Dawood)
Shaykh Al-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allaah have mercy on him, said: “We have seen that the degree of polytheism is less in those Jews and Christians who reside with Muslims, and that the degree of faith in the Muslims who have dealt extensively with the Jews and Christians is lesser than that of the pious Muslims.”
O servants of Allaah! Imitating polytheists and atheists in their clothing, customs, rules, politics and economics has become widespread among many Muslims to a very large extent, so much so that the one who blindly imitates and tries to Westernize might even be respected by the foolish masses and the youth, including the rich, intellectuals and even the poor, who are attracted to such a person. Woe to imitation and subordination! What weighty and oppressive constraints they have! What a dark path theirs is! What a great loss for whoever follows them!
Yes, woe to imitating and following the West! It has trapped some Muslim generations in the dark, narrow prisons of subordination and dependence, and prevented them from thinking, meditating and heading for glory. It has blocked the means to the real happiness of their souls.
Woe to imitation and dependence! They are obstacles for the intellects and prevent everything that may revive them.
The Muslim Nation should lead, not be led; others should depend on us and not the reverse. Our Nation should not be deceived by the artificial adornments possessed by some devastated people, as Allaah says that which means: "And do not extend your eyes toward that by which We have given enjoyment to [some] categories of them, [its being but] the splendor of worldly life by which We test them. And the provision of your Lord is better and more lasting." (Taa-Haa: 131).
The Western civilization is like a mirage, which, when seen from a distance is like a large sea, but it is as Allaah says which means: "But the disbelievers – their deeds are like a mirage in a lowland which a thirsty one thinks is water until, when he comes to it, he finds it is nothing but finds Allaah before him, and He will pay him in full his due; and Allaah is swift in account." (An-Noor: 39).
The weak and ignorant Muslims, who try to remodel the principles of our nation through imitation, should know that even though such temporal morals may ruin some of the deeply rooted ones, they will never remain or become innate. If some people believe that our nation must change its ways for development, then let it be known that our resorting to the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of His Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam is the best means for change. Allaah says that which means: "…Indeed, Allaah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves. And when Allaah intends for a people ill, there is no repelling it. And there is not for them besides Him any patron." (Ar-Ra`d: 11).
If we embrace the means to be powerful, stick to deep-rooted principles such as strong will, piety, courage and Islaamic zeal and adhere to our distinctive code of life which indicates that we are religious and ethical people, what harm would we get from it? Are these not the true Islaamic morals? Are there any other solid foundations for progress besides them? Allaah says that which means: "[And say, ‘Ours is] the religion of Allaah. And who is better than Allaah in [ordaining] religion? And we are worshippers of Him’” (Al-Baqarah: 138) and also: "[Say], ‘Then is it other than Allaah I should seek as judge while it is He who has revealed to you the Book [i.e., the Qur’aan] explained in detail?’…" (Al-An’aam: 114)
However, if we are to adopt foreign customs and traditions alien to our religion, from the West, we should remember that Islaam is Islaam and polytheism is polytheism, and that they live in one hemisphere and we live in another. We were the masters before we assumed these Western traditions that ruined the free Muslim nation – its men and especially its women, who have rushed after the unknown in a breathless attempt to imitate the West. They are amazed by the eye-catching products of its industries and have followed its disgraceful women to the extent that their clothes became almost the same as those of Western models. When you see any Muslim woman wearing a dress barely covering her private parts, you should know that this is an example of their kind of clothing. The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said about such women: "I have seen none lacking in common sense and failing in religion and (at the same time) robbing the wisdom of wise men, besides you (women).” (Bukhaari & Muslim).
This is why when Allaah says that which means: "…and amended for him [i.e., Zakariyya] his wife…” (Al-Anbiyaa’: 90) it denotes that He thereby bestowed much grace upon Zakariyya, peace be upon him: He also says which means, "…So righteous women are devoutly obedient, guarding in [the husband's] absence what Allaah would have them guard…" (An-Nisaa’: 34)
O Muslims! The restrictions imposed by our religion on the human being are not meant to torture or deprive him from the pleasures of this life. Rather, their aim is to elevate him from mere animalism to complete humanity. Thus, a Muslim will become capable of overcoming subservience and dependence, and his faith and piety will overpower animalistic lusts.
Whenever a society ignores such restrictions or belittles them, it jeopardizes and opens itself to serious problems and positions itself on the brink of destruction, as Allaah says that which means: "…And whoever transgresses the limits of Allaah – it is those who are the wrongdoers [i.e., the unjust]” (Al-Baqarah: 229) and also: "…And who is more astray than one who follows his desire without guidance from Allaah? Indeed, Allaah does not guide the wrongdoing people." (Al-Qasas: 50).
Second Khutbah
Our Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam prohibited whatever acts lead to the imitation of the polytheists to such an extent that one of the Jews said about him: "This man does not wish to set aside any of our affairs until he acts in nonconformity with it." (Muslim).
It is also reported that the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam forbade Muslims from offering prayers after dawn until the sun rises and following the afternoon prayer until sunset. He explained that the sun rises and sets between the horns of the devil and at this time, the polytheists prostrate before it. It is well-known that a believer never prostrates himself to anything except Allaah; most people may not even be aware that the sun rises and sets between the horns of the devil and that the polytheists prostrate before it, yet, the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam commanded Muslims not to pray at this time so as not to imitate the polytheists in any way.
Imitating the People of the Book and the non-Arab polytheists will surely lead to some degree of affection towards them. For this reason also, imitation is prohibited in order to block the way before such love transpires and to prevent allegiance to them; this is aside from the legal evidences that prohibit such imitation.
It is plainly evident that some people who copy the polytheists in their clothes, manners, traditions or speak their language, harbor love and admiration for them. In this way, the polytheists succeed in disseminating ideas such as globalization and a universal religion which affect some sick-hearted Muslims; all of these aim at weakening the Muslim character and identity. Whenever a person objects to such ideas, he is labeled as an introvert, an isolationist and even a narrow-minded person alienated from this world and who should have died in his cradle.
Such people seem to ask why the bells of churches do not chime along with the minarets reverberating "Allaah is the Greatest." They ask why there are not many religions being practiced in the Arabian Peninsula, but they forget or seem to forget that the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: "There must not be two religions in the Arabian Peninsula.” (Maalik & Ahmad).
Allaah says that which means: “And never will the Jews and the Christians approve of you until you follow their religion. Say: ‘Indeed, the guidance of Allaah is the [only] guidance.’ If you were to follow their desires after what has come to you of knowledge, you would have against Allaah no protector or helper.” (Al-Baqarah: 120). He also says that which means: "They wish you would disbelieve as they disbelieved so you would be alike…” (An-Nisaa’: 89).
Last edited by Ummu Sufyaan; 11-26-2007 at 03:08 AM.
Thread Approved
SourceGuidelines concerning imitation of the kuffaar
Question:
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?.
Answer:
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
Islam Q&A
Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid
*bump....
"It was narrated from Ibn ‘Umar that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) forbade imitating the non-Arabs"
I assume he said non arabs because it was only arabs who were muslim at the time?...
Because otherwise, it doesn't make sense.
Greetings,
Aren't texts like these just recipes for creating division and animosity between Muslims and the rest of the world?
Is that really helpful?
Peace
Ah you see this is where a mistake is made - and not that uncommon either (it's just a missunderstanding really). The point of not imitating disbelievers is not to cause a divide of animosity. I guess you could argue it creates division but I'll deal with that discussion in a later post (if anyone wants to talk aboot it)format_quote Originally Posted by czgibson
If we take a look at Umm ul-Shaheed's post above (with the quotation) I'll highlight two of the points that stand out:
These two essentially sum up the don't mimic non-believer rule.....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.
It's more of reinforcement of staying on the path of Islam. We have our rules and we have to follow them - we should not be swayed by the non-believers (through imitation) is really all it is saying.
In the real world, this basically comes down to: don't drink, don't eat pork, don't do drugs (or anything else the disbelievers do that is in direct contradiction of the Islamic teachings)
Greetings,
That is exactly what I would argue. I guess I'll wait and see what you write in your next post.format_quote Originally Posted by aamirsaab
Peace
Ok for the ''division'' part. Yes, it does create a division. But, not in the sense that it is a social class division (upper class, middle class etc) or something similar of that nature. It's a division based on teachings (or school of thought if you will) rather than class. It's nothing to do with superiority or inferiority and everything to do with: we have our path, they have theirs.format_quote Originally Posted by czgibson
To examplify this I'll take a page oot of my history. A lot of my non-muslim friends drink (or eat pork). I however, do not give into peer pressure and join them in their drink or pork consumption (and hence do not mimic the disbeliever). Basically, don't mimic the bad things that the non-believers do (which is usually something haram in Islam anyway but as I said before: it's a form of reinforcement) as opposed to ALL that they do.
Part of being a muslim is not to mimic the nonbeliever, but also to set the example for them to follow (by doing good actions). Though, that is not to say non-believers are automatically bad people and not capable of doing good (many of my non-muslim friends are very nice and respectable people) - rather, that it is a duty as muslims for us to be at the forefront of good deeds and serve as examples for the non-muslims (our path is supposed to be the best one and this should be reflected in our actions - if it is not, we are doing a bad job).
Ultimately however, isolating rulings in Islam and analysing them with magnifying glasses only gives us a distorted picture of Islam. We have to look at all the teachings and take a summary from that as opposed to one particular teaching. Same with any religion or ideology.
Last edited by aamirsaab; 01-27-2009 at 05:07 PM.
i didn't hear that hadith before from where did you get it?format_quote Originally Posted by crayon
no , thats not rightformat_quote Originally Posted by crayonI assume he said non arabs because it was only arabs who were muslim at the time?...
Because otherwise, it doesn't make sense.
Salman al-farsi
suhayb al-romi
belal ibn rba7 al-7abashi....etc
they aren't Arabs but they are from asahabah(companions' of Rasulu ALLAH)
I got it from the above article, and it doesn't make sense, which left me confused...
JazakAllah Khair for the post!
Sheikh Feiz also has an EXCELLENT lecture on immitating the kuffar! its on youtube, check it out it u get tme inshaAllah!
you are not Alone in that!format_quote Originally Posted by crayon
[QUOTE=Umm ul-Shaheed;870355]
Got this from another forum..
First Khutbah
I advise you, as well as myself, to fear Allaah in times of prosperity and misfortune, in secret and in public: "O mankind! Worship your Lord, who created you and those before you, that you may become righteous." (Al Baqarah: 21).
Do people become righteousness just by worshipping the LORD? That's the easy way, in my pov.
O people! When a person meditates upon the histories of past nations and populations, he will be instantly amazed at the revolutions and transformations they went through. For instance, there was a pioneering nation (i.e., the Muslim nation) which led the world for many centuries but then, it faltered and lost its leading role; it fell in the midst of blind imitation and followed the paths of other nations in terms of manners and beliefs. Once it was at the acme of development and reached the highest level of power and glory, but it later fell to the lowest point and was afflicted with misery. It died after it had been living, deteriorated after it was once flourishing and withered after it was blossoming. It was the nation that discovered the sources of knowledge and developed the Islaamic civilization and sciences, which the West later obtained significantly, without having to exert the least of efforts. Thus it seems as if the gates towards progress had been shut off for the Muslims as they turned into artificial consumers of the Western civilization. They even began to adopt certain features of it, which were originally theirs but had been stolen away from them.
O Muslims! When a Muslim blindly imitates the West, he turns into a loyal supporter of their beliefs and customs; he is like one who tries to reform something but spoils it while he is unaware. He is just like a defeated follower, like a baby who bites and severs his mother's breast while it is in his mouth. Such a person does not know that blind copying of the West involves hidden hazards and that our rights, honor and dignity are violated by such imitation and imbecilic pride.
Isn't it natural for a baby to bite? We should never be high-minded.
O Muslims! The Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: "You will imitate the nations before you very closely to the extent that if they went into a lizard's hole, you would enter it as well” his companions, may Allaah be pleased with them, inquired: “(Do you mean) the Jews and Christians, O Messenger of Allaah?” He sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam replied: "Who else?” (Bukhaari & Muslim). The Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam also said: "The Day of Judgment will not come until my Nation closely imitates the nations before them.” It was asked: “Like the Persians and Romans, Messenger of Allaah?” He sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam replied: "Who are the nations (I could mean) except those?” (Bukhaari).
The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam foretold that some of his nation will imitate the People of the Book, namely the Jews and Christians, as well as other non-Arabs, namely the Persians and Romans. Allaah says that which means: "[You disbelievers are] like those before you; they were stronger than you in power and more abundant in wealth and children. They enjoyed their portion [of worldly enjoyment], and you have enjoyed your portion as those before you enjoyed their portion, and you have engaged [in vanities] like that in which they engaged…" (At-Tawbah: 69). Ibn ‘Abbaas, may Allaah be pleased with him, commented on this verse by saying: “These are the Children of Israel that we will imitate.” Ibn Mas’ood, may Allaah be pleased with him, also said in this regard: “You are closely similar to the Children of Israel as far as outside appearance and manners are concerned, but I do not know whether you will worship the calf (as they did) or not.”
O servants of Allaah! The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam used to prohibit imitating other nations. It is worth mentioning that these traditions do not indicate that the entire Muslim nation will commit this sin as he sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam also foretold that a group of his nation will continue to stick to the Straight Path until the Day of Judgment.
The Muslims constitute the most guided and well-mannered nation in this life; and on the Day of Judgment Allaah will make them witnesses over all other nations as He says that which means: "And thus We have made you a median [i.e., just] community that you will be witnesses over the people and the Messenger will be a witness over you…" (Al-Baqarah: 143). Indeed, this is a very prestigious position. How is it, then, that Muslims imitate others in their customs, traditions and feasts? The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam even forbade the Muslims from acquiring religious information from the People of the Book; once, ‘Umar ibn Al-Khattaab, may Allaah be pleased with him, was reading some parts of one of the scriptures of the People of the Book to the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, so he got angry and said: "I have conveyed to you a clear religion. Do not ask them (the People of the Book) about anything, for they may tell you the truth while you belie them or they may lie and you might believe them. I swear by Him in Whose Hands is my soul, if Moosaa was alive, he would not have any choice but to follow me.” (Ahmad & Ibn Abi Shaybah).
That's the view of Islam. You cannot change people, only the LORD does that.
Allaah made human beings and all other creatures accustomed to interacting with their similar counterparts. When the degree of similarity increases, such interaction and hence imitation in morals and characteristics becomes more complete, until it is hardly possible to distinguish between them. Accordingly, human beings are affected by each other and acquire each other's traits through cohabitation and imitation. It is also known that if a human being stays in the company of a certain type of animal, he would pick up some of its features; that is why, for example, those who tend camels are known for their pride and arrogance, while shepherds are known to be humble and calm, whereas those who raise both camels and mules acquire some of the bad attributes of both. Similarly, a domestic animal acquires some human characteristics, such as the ability to live with others.
Furthermore, when a person puts on the clothes usually worn by scholars, he may feel himself as somehow closer to them, because similarity and imitation in outward appearance leads to resemblance in inward characteristics such as personal characteristics and morals, as is witnessed in reality and is confirmed by Islaamic jurisprudence and common sense. In the old times, it was said: ‘Birds of a feather flock together’; this is a realistic proverb which conforms to the manner in which Allaah has formed His creation. The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam spoke the truth when he said: "Whoever imitates a people is one of them." (Ahmad & Abu Dawood)
Which is why I never am to be a Muslim. I believe that the LORD's decrees arn't to be questioned and therein is not truth other then the Scripture..
Shaykh Al-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allaah have mercy on him, said: “We have seen that the degree of polytheism is less in those Jews and Christians who reside with Muslims, and that the degree of faith in the Muslims who have dealt extensively with the Jews and Christians is lesser than that of the pious Muslims.”
O servants of Allaah! Imitating polytheists and atheists in their clothing, customs, rules, politics and economics has become widespread among many Muslims to a very large extent, so much so that the one who blindly imitates and tries to Westernize might even be respected by the foolish masses and the youth, including the rich, intellectuals and even the poor, who are attracted to such a person. Woe to imitation and subordination! What weighty and oppressive constraints they have! What a dark path theirs is! What a great loss for whoever follows them!
Your judging polytheists and atheists? I have been commanded to love my neighbour. Yes, they may break His Commandments but I cannot force pagans and atheists to follow them and to have faith in the LORD. Such is the path of the unrighteousness. Yes, the LORD is jealous, for man should be accountable only to the LORD, but we CANNOT and MUST NOT judge something that isn't in line with our views. The Western World is materialistic. Your time would be better spent encouraging people to break from this habit. But in actuality your forcing humanity to become divided.
Yes, woe to imitating and following the West! It has trapped some Muslim generations in the dark, narrow prisons of subordination and dependence, and prevented them from thinking, meditating and heading for glory. It has blocked the means to the real happiness of their souls.
We cannot claim glory for ourselves. That's simply idolatry. We cannot erect idols of ourselves in front of the LORD.
Woe to imitation and dependence! They are obstacles for the intellects and prevent everything that may revive them.The Muslim Nation should lead, not be led; others should depend on us and not the reverse. Our Nation should not be deceived by the artificial adornments possessed by some devastated people, as Allaah says that which means: "And do not extend your eyes toward that by which We have given enjoyment to [some] categories of them, [its being but] the splendor of worldly life by which We test them. And the provision of your Lord is better and more lasting." (Taa-Haa: 131).
Lead the world if you desire, but your'll only lead the world that gives into you. Materialism is the problem, not Westerners. Dare not make a villain out of me for simply being European.
The Western civilization is like a mirage, which, when seen from a distance is like a large sea, but it is as Allaah says which means: "But the disbelievers – their deeds are like a mirage in a lowland which a thirsty one thinks is water until, when he comes to it, he finds it is nothing but finds Allaah before him, and He will pay him in full his due; and Allaah is swift in account." (An-Noor: 39).
Continuing in his judgement. He's quite proficient at it. How are we to take him seriously when he judges? He's like an empty well. This will only lead to the alienation of the peoples of the world.
The weak and ignorant Muslims, who try to remodel the principles of our nation through imitation, should know that even though such temporal morals may ruin some of the deeply rooted ones, they will never remain or become innate. If some people believe that our nation must change its ways for development, then let it be known that our resorting to the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of His Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam is the best means for change. Allaah says that which means: "…Indeed, Allaah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves. And when Allaah intends for a people ill, there is no repelling it. And there is not for them besides Him any patron." (Ar-Ra`d: 11).
They are having problems keeping to Islam. They should become more deeply rooted in it's teachings and eschew the things they find detestable. You cannot bend gravity to your will. Ultimately, this is an attitude of Division and hatred. Leave the people of the West to learn themselves.
If we embrace the means to be powerful, stick to deep-rooted principles such as strong will, piety, courage and Islaamic zeal and adhere to our distinctive code of life which indicates that we are religious and ethical people, what harm would we get from it? Are these not the true Islaamic morals? Are there any other solid foundations for progress besides them? Allaah says that which means: "[And say, ‘Ours is] the religion of Allaah. And who is better than Allaah in [ordaining] religion? And we are worshippers of Him’” (Al-Baqarah: 138) and also: "[Say], ‘Then is it other than Allaah I should seek as judge while it is He who has revealed to you the Book [i.e., the Qur’aan] explained in detail?’…" (Al-An’aam: 114)
However, if we are to adopt foreign customs and traditions alien to our religion, from the West, we should remember that Islaam is Islaam and polytheism is polytheism, and that they live in one hemisphere and we live in another. We were the masters before we assumed these Western traditions that ruined the free Muslim nation – its men and especially its women, who have rushed after the unknown in a breathless attempt to imitate the West. They are amazed by the eye-catching products of its industries and have followed its disgraceful women to the extent that their clothes became almost the same as those of Western models. When you see any Muslim woman wearing a dress barely covering her private parts, you should know that this is an example of their kind of clothing. The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said about such women: "I have seen none lacking in common sense and failing in religion and (at the same time) robbing the wisdom of wise men, besides you (women).” (Bukhaari & Muslim).
Blame only furthers cause for division. Empires rise and fall. If you rise you will fall.
This is why when Allaah says that which means: "…and amended for him [i.e., Zakariyya] his wife…” (Al-Anbiyaa’: 90) it denotes that He thereby bestowed much grace upon Zakariyya, peace be upon him: He also says which means, "…So righteous women are devoutly obedient, guarding in [the husband's] absence what Allaah would have them guard…" (An-Nisaa’: 34)
O Muslims! The restrictions imposed by our religion on the human being are not meant to torture or deprive him from the pleasures of this life. Rather, their aim is to elevate him from mere animalism to complete humanity. Thus, a Muslim will become capable of overcoming subservience and dependence, and his faith and piety will overpower animalistic lusts.
Allow them, those Westerners you depise so much to see themselves for what they are and then allow them to either stay as they are or to change for the better.
Whenever a society ignores such restrictions or belittles them, it jeopardizes and opens itself to serious problems and positions itself on the brink of destruction, as Allaah says that which means: "…And whoever transgresses the limits of Allaah – it is those who are the wrongdoers [i.e., the unjust]” (Al-Baqarah: 229) and also: "…And who is more astray than one who follows his desire without guidance from Allaah? Indeed, Allaah does not guide the wrongdoing people." (Al-Qasas: 50).
Second Khutbah
Our Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam prohibited whatever acts lead to the imitation of the polytheists to such an extent that one of the Jews said about him: "This man does not wish to set aside any of our affairs until he acts in nonconformity with it." (Muslim).
It is also reported that the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam forbade Muslims from offering prayers after dawn until the sun rises and following the afternoon prayer until sunset. He explained that the sun rises and sets between the horns of the devil and at this time, the polytheists prostrate before it. It is well-known that a believer never prostrates himself to anything except Allaah; most people may not even be aware that the sun rises and sets between the horns of the devil and that the polytheists prostrate before it, yet, the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam commanded Muslims not to pray at this time so as not to imitate the polytheists in any way.
Have mosques ever been built on the ruins of pagan temples? I just wanted to ask.
Imitating the People of the Book and the non-Arab polytheists will surely lead to some degree of affection towards them. For this reason also, imitation is prohibited in order to block the way before such love transpires and to prevent allegiance to them; this is aside from the legal evidences that prohibit such imitation. It is plainly evident that some people who copy the polytheists in their clothes, manners, traditions or speak their language, harbor love and admiration for them. In this way, the polytheists succeed in disseminating ideas such as globalization and a universal religion which affect some sick-hearted Muslims; all of these aim at weakening the Muslim character and identity. Whenever a person objects to such ideas, he is labeled as an introvert, an isolationist and even a narrow-minded person alienated from this world and who should have died in his cradle.
Oh, The LORD, why this is so?
Such people seem to ask why the bells of churches do not chime along with the minarets reverberating "Allaah is the Greatest." They ask why there are not many religions being practiced in the Arabian Peninsula, but they forget or seem to forget that the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: "There must not be two religions in the Arabian Peninsula.” (Maalik & Ahmad).
I see that you work the spirit of division. You'r not uniting, but alienating.
Allaah says that which means: “And never will the Jews and the Christians approve of you until you follow their religion. Say: ‘Indeed, the guidance of Allaah is the [only] guidance.’ If you were to follow their desires after what has come to you of knowledge, you would have against Allaah no protector or helper.” (Al-Baqarah: 120). He also says that which means: "They wish you would disbelieve as they disbelieved so you would be alike…” (An-Nisaa’: 89).
Course, their will be a difference in views. We just want man to unite, not divide. I don't care for the affairs of 'religion'. The LORD is all that matters.
Doe's that mean that we are free to decide if we join you in your festivals?
our Mosque in England is an out of use former ChucchHave mosques ever been built on the ruins of pagan temples? I just wanted to ask
Yep it does. But I don't see how anyone would not want to go to a samosa party. Unless you happen to hate triangle-shaped pastry.format_quote Originally Posted by NazariteofEhyah
But don't you have a problem with that?format_quote Originally Posted by doorster
It would turn out that I wouldn't. Everytime a Muslim colleaque invites me to a event, I never do come. I am not a Muslim so I would stand outformat_quote Originally Posted by aamirsaab
Do you eat meat? If yes, we have meat samosasformat_quote Originally Posted by NazariteofEhyah
Are you a veggie kind of dude? If yes, we have veggie samosas.
Try going to the next muslim party you are invited to. Who know's maybe you will meet some new and awesome people. At the very least, you'll get free food.
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