What is the ruling on imitating disbelievers in their customs and actions, and what are its legitimate Islamic parameters? Is every imitation of their actions considered forbidden, taking into account that "what Muslims deem good is good in the sight of Allah"?
Muslims do not need to imitate others in religious rituals, for the religion of Allah is complete. The has prohibited imitating disbelievers in matters concerning their religion, rituals, and unique characteristics, and resembling them means joining them. Examples include imitating them in acts of worship, such as building over graves, in polytheistic and innovative holidays, in their specific clothing, and in shaving the beard. As for the rules concerning imitating disbelievers, they are limited to their acts of worship and their specific customs that distinguish them, not what they manufacture and invent that can be beneficial. Rather, Muslims should be pioneers and innovators in that, for the criterion of imitation is that the imitator does what is specific to the imitated. Islam's stance on Western civilization is to take what is beneficial and leave what is harmful. As for the saying of Ibn Mas'ud, may Allah be pleased with him, "What the Muslims deem good, is good in the sight of Allah," it does not mean intellectual approval that contradicts the Sharia. Rather, it can be interpreted as acting according to customs that do not contradict the Sharia or the authority of consensus.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy