Surah 1-2 - YasSarNal QuR'aN

Al-Baqarah (The Cow) | CHANGE OF DIRECTIONA corollary of this principle says that Muslims are specifically forbidden toemulate or adopt other, non-Muslim, religious and cultural customs. However, itwould be wrong to put this down to bigotry or prejudice on the part of Islam, sinceoutward religious and social behaviour is a reflection of the inner beliefs and idealsthat motivate and determine behaviour and outlook. These beliefs and ideals are themain factors that distinguish between different nations, outlooks, ethical systems,moral values and ways of life.Abū Hurayrah quotes the Prophet as saying, “The Jews and the Christians do notdye their hair. So, adopt a different line.” [Related by Mālik, al-Bukhārī, Muslim andAbū Dāwūd] He was also reported to have told a group of his Companions whostood up to greet him, “Do not be like other communities who stand up in reverenceto one another.” [Related by Abū Dāwūd and Ibn Mājah] He also said, “Do notrevere me in the same way the Christians revered Jesus, son of Mary. I am a mereservant of God. So refer to me as God’s servant and messenger.” [Related by al-Bukhārī]The Prophet Muĥammad strongly advised against imitating non- Muslims inappearance, dress, manners, etiquette and behaviour. Behind all these outwardaspects lie the emotions and convictions that shape man’s outlook, character and wayof life.More importantly, the Prophet strongly rules out the adoption of ideas andconcepts not emanating from, or reconcilable with, the world order God hascommissioned the Muslim community to promote and establish. He warns againstdefeatism and feelings of inferiority among the Muslims who, being selected to leadmankind, should derive their values and traditions, and the basis of their faith, fromthe original source of their religion: God Almighty.The Qur’ān describes the Muslim community variously as the leading community,a consummately upright nation and a paradigm of moderation. This special acclaimis only conferred upon them by virtue of the fact that they draw their philosophy,outlook, traditions and way of life from God’s revelations.It is not out of religious bigotry and intolerance that Islam presents itself to theworld as a universal and most complete way of life. Islam sees itself as a unifyingforce in the world, because it advocates the unity of all mankind under one Godgivensocial, political and economic way of life. It offers equality to all in the eyes ofGod, and does not recognize or advance the interests of one group at the expense ofothers.Today, Muslims are called on once again to understand the significance of havingtheir own exclusive qiblah. It is not merely a direction to which they turn in theirPrayers, nor is it an empty symbol. It is a feature that distinguishes Islam’s whole146