What is the ruling on adopting the view of the Official Fatwa Center in the UAE that it is permissible to imitate non-Muslims in permissible matters and customs? And does not adopting this view mean that the issue is a matter of scholarly consensus and among the necessities of religion?
It is not within our purview to evaluate the fatwas of other -issuing bodies. The prohibition of imitating disbelievers applies to practices exclusive to them, not to those that have become widespread among Muslims. Imitation means a Muslim adopting the attire of a disbeliever such that it is said: "This person is one of the disbelievers." As for practices shared by Muslims and disbelievers, such as wearing trousers, this is not imitation. Regarding blameworthy imitation in customs, some scholars hold that it does not require an intention to imitate; rather, it occurs merely by conforming in appearance. There is another group of scholars who believe that the prohibition of imitation is restricted by intent: if one intends to imitate them in symbols of disbelief, then one has disbelieved; if one intends to imitate them in holiday symbols without intending disbelief, then one is sinful; and if one does not intend imitation at all, then there is no blame upon him. This issue is a matter of (independent reasoning) and is probabilistic.
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.
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