What is the religious ruling on culture?

The origin of the word "thaqafa" (culture) in Arabic is from the verb "thaqafa," meaning to become skilled or proficient. The culture of a people refers to the principles upon which their customs and traditions are based, and which are judged by their conformity or opposition to the rulings of the Sharia. The Sharia is the scale that determines whether something is true or false, as Allah Almighty said: ﴿And in whatsoever you differ, its judgment is with Allah﴾ [Ash-Shura:10], and He, glorified be He, said: ﴿And if you disagree over anything, refer it to Allah and the Messenger, if you should believe in Allah and the Last Day. That is the best [way] and best in result.﴾ [An-Nisa:59].

What is today deemed as culture and civilization is in reality backwardness and regression, because its source is the ideas of people who give no weight to the law of Allah, such as: singing, musical instruments, dancing, acting, and studying the ideas of Darwin, Freud, and Descartes. All of this is "silly" and foolishness of minds. By being deceived by these things, Muslims have been afflicted with weakness, humiliation, and disgrace. And the Wise Lord spoke truly in His saying: ﴿O you who have believed, if you obey those who disbelieve, they will turn you back on your heels, and you will turn back losers.﴾ [Aal-Imran:149].

Therefore, the culture of a Muslim is derived from the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him, which are the revelation from the Lord of the worlds. ﴿Does He who created not know, while He is the Subtle, the Acquainted?﴾ [Al-Mulk:14]. When this was the source of the Ummah's culture, it became mighty, dominant, and victorious.