Will you explain the issue of imitating (trying to resemble) other nations/non-Muslims and the hadith "Anyone who imitates a nation becomes one of them"?

Will you explain the issue of imitating (trying to resemble) other nations/non-Muslims and the hadith "Anyone who imitates a nation becomes one of them"?

Dear Brother / Sister,

There are various types of imitation in religion individually and socially:

1. Natural imitation (resemblance):It is the kind of imitation in the methods used in science and technology, in natural issues in which imitation is inevitable like walking, eating and using some vehicles.

2. Imitation that is makruh (abominable):It is the lightest form of imitation that necessitates responsibility.For instance, decorating houses with tapestries that include pictures of living beings, cushions, paintings, wearing clothes that have pictures of living beings are regarded as makruh by fiqh scholars.

3. Imitation that is haram (forbidden): It is related to the deeds that are contrary to the orders and prohibitions of Islam committed by the members of the wrong religions like Judaism, Christianity, Buddhism, materialism, etc, like drinking, treating, producing and selling alcoholic drinks.

Hz. Prophet prohibited Muslims from celebrating the holy days of non-non-Muslims like them. For, it is necessary for the protection of social cohesion to prevent the congregation from scattering and degeneration. 

Being exposed to foreign and harmful effects that are contrary to the values of the community can cause the values of a person's own community to weaken, fade and be forgotten. An individual and community that do not protect themselves from the harmful effects coming from outside will eventually collapse. Therefore, the Prophet (pbuh) said,

"Anyone who imitates a nation becomes one of them." (Ahmad b. Hanbal, Musnad, Beirut 1985, II/50)

So, one of the main principles of the religion of Islam, which is necessary to be practiced as a whole for believers, is to avoid resembling and imitating the members of wrong religions and ideologies in all phases of individual, family and social life.   

If a Muslim resembles those who are contrary to his belief,he will undergo weakness in his personality, will be alienated from himself and his values, and he will be a lackey of the enemy; he will also be tortured in the hereafter. Therefore, it is necessary for a Muslim to learn Islam, to avoid bid'ahs, to keep away from haram (forbidden) things and those who worship wrong things.

Questions on Islam