What is Ibn Taymiyyah's book "Iqtidāʾ aṣ-Ṣirāṭ al-Mustaqīm," and what are the most important details about it?
The book "Iqtidha' al-Sirat al-Mustaqim Mukhalafat Ashab al-Jahim" by Ibn Taymiyyah addresses the prohibition of imitating disbelievers in a rigorous academic style, explaining the principles, branches, and legal and rational proofs of this issue. The book highlighted that this great principle, which was established among the righteous predecessors, was almost erased after the three virtuous centuries, leading factions of the Ummah into dangers such as building over graves. The author also drew attention to two important principles: the Prophet's (peace be upon him) informing that his Ummah would follow the ways of previous nations, and his informing about the preservation of the religion and the persistence of a group upon the truth. The book concludes that opposing disbelievers is an intended objective of the Lawgiver, that imitating them is generally prohibited, that opposing them is more beneficial for Muslims in this world and the hereafter, and that everything that emanates from disbelievers regarding their religion and worldly affairs is either corrupt or deficient in its outcome. It emphasizes the necessity for Muslims to beware of imitating them in their beliefs, cultures, customs, and attire, while benefiting from their industries and applied sciences is not considered imitation, unless it is accompanied by the adoption of their customs and traditions.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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