What does imitating others imply?
Ulama Institute #1
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- The Arabic word most commonly used to refer to the act of imitating others is tashabbuh. Imitation or tashabbuh means to adopt the behavior of another person or group. This is done by emulating the unique features of others such as their speech, or dress, etc. The characteristics that are imitated may be part of that person or group’s culture. Their culture is their way of life and includes general customs, beliefs, and even religious practices.
- Islam encourages some forms of imitation while it disallows certain others. Imitation is encouraged when it affects a Muslim positively. Such imitation supports the values, beliefs, practices, and customs that Islam promotes. Emulating the way of life of the Prophet ﷺ is an example of this type of imitation.
لَّقَدْ كَانَ لَكُمْ فِى رَسُولِ ٱللَّهِ أُسْوَةٌ حَسَنَةٌۭ لِّمَن كَانَ يَرْجُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَٱلْيَوْمَ ٱلْـَٔاخِرَ وَذَكَرَ ٱللَّهَ كَثِيرًۭا ( سورة الأحزاب : ۲۱ )
There has certainly been for you in the Messenger of Allah an excellent pattern for anyone whose hope is in Allah and the Last Day and (who) remembers Allah often “. (Soorat al-Ahzaab: 21)
- Allah mentions in this aayah that the way of life of the Prophet ﷺ is an excellent model for Muslims to imitate. Muslims love the Prophet ﷺ and emulate his way of life, because he possessed the best human qualities.
The Prophet ﷺ was,
- Kind and merciful to everyone.
- Fair and just, he never oppressed anyone.
- Honest and truthful.
- Modest and humble.
- Hard-working, etc.
- When copying others has a negative influence on a Muslim, then such imitation is not allowed. For example, it is prohibited for a Muslim to adopt practices of other cultures that are contrary to the teachings of Islam. Such imitation is harmful to Muslims.
- Imitation may imply a number of things. People usually imitate others to express their adoration and respect for them. It indirectly shows the imitator’s admiration and respect for that person. It also ultimately proves that he or she accepts the actions and way of life of the people being imitated. Muslims should therefore be careful whom they imitate. They should be able to discriminate between positive and negative forms of imitation.
“Discussion:”
- What does imitation mean?
- What type of imitation does Islam encourage?
- Explain what type of imitation is harmful for Muslims.
- Whose way of life should Muslims emulate?
- Why is it important for Muslims to be careful about whom they imitate?
