Hadith Commentary: Sunan Abi Dawud 4031

From the Book of Clothing (Kitab Al-Libas), this profound narration carries significant legal and spiritual implications regarding imitation of non-Muslims.

Literal Meaning and Context

The phrase "he who copies any people" refers to intentional imitation in matters of dress, appearance, customs, or distinctive practices that characterize a particular group.

"Is one of them" indicates spiritual and moral association with the imitated group, suggesting that through imitation, one shares in their identity and spiritual state.

Scholarly Interpretation

Imam Ibn Taymiyyah explains this applies particularly to imitating disbelievers in their distinctive religious practices and symbols, as this indicates approval of their falsehood.

Al-Qurtubi emphasizes that imitation in worldly matters that don't carry religious significance is generally permissible, unless it leads to forbidden consequences.

Scholars distinguish between beneficial worldly customs and those tied to religious identity, with the latter being prohibited to preserve Islamic distinctiveness.

Practical Applications

This hadith prohibits Muslims from adopting distinctive religious symbols of other faiths, such as crosses, religious garments, or hairstyles specific to other religions.

It warns against celebrating non-Islamic religious festivals or participating in rituals that contradict Islamic monotheism.

The principle extends to avoiding imitation in matters that would cause confusion about one's Islamic identity or indicate leaning toward false beliefs.

Spiritual Wisdom

This teaching preserves the unique identity of the Muslim community and protects against gradual assimilation into disbelief.

It reminds believers that outward actions reflect inward beliefs, and conscious imitation can influence spiritual orientation.

The prohibition serves as a means of maintaining clear distinction between truth and falsehood in both appearance and practice.