Adopting Foreign Traditions & Culture: Strictly Prohibited

• Last Updated on March 22, 2021 @ 7:05 pm by Islaminlife Admin

One who fears Allah Taala would make the best efforts to refrain from all mischiefs – the forbidden evils. The mischief of adopting the kuffar (unbeliever) lifestyle is a severe one. Every Muslim should be highly cautious and vigilant of its grave consequences. A Muslim should bear in mind that any adoption of foreign traditions and culture is highly detrimental to Imaan and good actions. A Muslim’s life should be conducted in Sunnah way only. A Muslim never accepts the way of kuffar (unbelievers) neither does s/he support it by any means.

The Quran has warned several times regarding following the commandments of Allah Taala and His Messenger ﷺ. This has been regarded as the basis and foundation of Imaan. Therefore, it is obviously an integral part of Muslim life. If one compromises at this point, s/he may go out of the fold of Islam and then do so.

Allah Taala says in the Quran (meaning):

O you who have believed, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you… [Sura Nisa: 59]

We did not send any Messenger but for him to be obeyed by the permission of Allah [Sura Nisa: 64]

Whoever obeys the Messenger has obeyed Allah … [Sura Nisa: 80]

… And whatever the Messenger has given you – take; and what he has forbidden you – refrain from. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is severe in penalty. [Sura Hashr: 7]

The Day their faces will be turned about in the Fire, they will say, “How we wish we had obeyed Allah and obeyed the Messenger.” [Sura Ahzab: 66]

Look into a few narrations from Hadith (meaning):

So, if I forbid you to do something, then keep away from it. And if I order you to do something, then do of it as much as you can. [Bukhari]

The Prophet ﷺ said, “The example of guidance and knowledge with which Allah has sent me is like abundant rain falling on the earth, some of which was fertile soil that absorbed rainwater and brought forth vegetation and grass in abundance. (And) another portion of it was hard and held the rainwater and Allah benefited the people with it and they utilized it for drinking, making their animals drink from it, and for irrigation of the land for cultivation. (And) a portion of it was barren which could neither hold the water nor bring forth vegetation (then that land gave no benefits). The first is the example of the person who comprehends Allah’s religion and gets the benefit (from the knowledge) which Allah has revealed through me (the Prophets and learns and then teaches others. The last example is that of a person who does not care for it and does not take Allah’s guidance revealed through me (He is like that barren land.)” [Bukhari]

As Muslims, we should be firm in performing the actions prescribed by the Quran and Hadith according to the guidelines and teachings of pious scholars. There is no room in a Muslim’s life to adopt foreign values, traditions, and cultures. All the lifestyles opposite to Sunnah are ways to the destruction of worldly life and the hereafter. This is the fundamental belief of a Muslim throughout his life.

To conclude, we remind you that the pain and worries that arise in this worldly-life are temporary. The torment and punishment for disobeying Allah Taala’s command would be unbearable, which is to come in the afterlife (We seek Allah’s refuge from it)!

An appeal to all Muslim brothers and sisters around the world is that, stop adopting the traditions and cultures of kuffar (unbelievers) lifestyle. The more we incline towards kuffar (unbelievers) lifestyle, the more disgrace and dishonor befall us. Occasions, such as birthdays, anniversaries, and all alike should ‘in no way’ enter a Muslim’s life. These are a few malpractices that have become rife among us. They are all the lifestyle of unbelievers; there are thousands such, which we keep ignoring and pollute the beauty and spirit of our heart.

A Muslim’s mission of life should be according to his vision, the vision which the Quran lucidly states:

قُلْ إِنَّ صَلاتِي وَنُسُكِي وَمَحْيَايَ وَمَمَاتِي لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ

Meaning: Say, “My prayer, my offering, my life and my death are for Allah, the Lord of all the worlds.” Sura: Al-An’am-162