Understanding Tashabbuh in Islamic Teachings: Its Dangers and How to Avoid It

"Discover the dangers of tashabbuh in Islam and how to steer clear of it. Learn about its types, prohibitions, and impacts. Be a steadfast believer!"

Understanding Tashabbuh and Its Significance in Islam

Tashabbuh, an Arabic word meaning imitation or resemblance, holds profound meaning in the context of the Islamic faith. Etymologically, tashabbuh is derived from the root word shabaha, which means to resemble or imitate.

In Islamic teachings, tashabbuh is defined as imitating the behavior of disbelievers or those who lack faith. This behavior is strongly forbidden in Islam as it can pose a danger to one's faith and character.

The definition of tashabbuh is taken from the book "Tashabbuh yang Dilarang dalam Fikih Islam" (Tashabbuh Prohibited in Islamic Jurisprudence) by Jamil bin Habib AI-Luwaihiq. Tashabbuh occurs when someone intentionally imitates the qualities or behavior of others.

For instance, a man imitating the appearance of a woman falls under the category of tashabbuh. It includes various forms, permissible or not, such as imitating humans, disbelievers, non-Arabs, innovators, or even animals.

Tashabbuh can manifest in various forms, such as clothing styles, behaviors, language, and customs.

The Prohibition of Tashabbuh in the Quran and Hadith

Tashabbuh is a behavior that is prohibited in the Islamic faith, and this prohibition has been explicitly mentioned in the Quran and Hadith. Surah Ar-Rum, verses 31-32, emphasize the importance of avoiding tashabbuh with those who divide their religion.

مُنِيبِينَ إِلَيْهِ وَٱتَّقُوهُ وَأَقِيمُوا۟ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ وَلَا تَكُونُوا۟ مِنَ ٱلْمُشْرِكِينَ . مِنَ ٱلَّذِينَ فَرَّقُوا۟ دِينَهُمْ وَكَانُوا۟ شِيَعًا ۖ كُلُّ حِزْبٍۭ بِمَا لَدَيْهِمْ فَرِحُونَ

Translation: "And be devoted to Him in fear and affection. And establish prayer and do not be among those who associate others with Allah. [Or] of those who have divided their religion and become sects, every faction rejoicing in what it has."

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also once said that whoever resembles a particular group will be considered as part of that group.

"Whoever imitates a people is one of them." (Narrated by Abu Dawud)

With these evidences, it is clear that tashabbuh must be entirely avoided by Muslims.

Types of Tashabbuh in Daily Life

In Islam, tashabbuh can be divided into two types: tashabbuh in worship practices and tashabbuh in cultural customs.

Tashabbuh in worship practices occurs when someone imitates the prayers and worship methods of disbelievers or those without faith.

On the other hand, tashabbuh in cultural customs happens when someone imitates the lifestyle or habits of disbelievers or those without faith.

In daily life, it is essential to be cautious and avoid tashabbuh behaviors that can undermine faith and character.

The Negative Impacts of Tashabbuh on Faith and Character

Tashabbuh can have serious implications on a person's life, particularly on their faith and character. Several negative impacts of tashabbuh need to be recognized:

1. Undermining Faith

Tashabbuh encourages individuals to imitate the behavior of disbelievers or those without faith, which can weaken a person's faith. Confidence in one's own beliefs becomes shaky due to the influence of tashabbuh.

Nasikin Purnama emphasizes in his work "Iman dan Takwa Peraih Muflihun" (Faith and Piety of the Successful) that tashabbuh is one of the diseases of faith, alongside polytheism, hypocrisy, immorality, and extremism. Therefore, as Muslims, we must earnestly strive to avoid tashabbuh behaviors.

2. Diminishing Moral Character

Tashabbuh also impacts a person's moral character because they imitate the behavior of disbelievers or those without faith. This can lead to a decline in good moral and ethical values.

3. The Potential for Falling into Misguidance

Engaging in tashabbuh can lead a person into misguidance as they adopt the lifestyles and habits of disbelievers or those without faith. As a result, they may lose sight of their true purpose in life and deviate from the right path according to religious teachings.

In order to preserve the integrity of faith and character, it is crucial for every Muslim to be vigilant and avoid tashabbuh. Strengthening faith and embodying Islamic values are key to resisting the temptations of tashabbuh in daily life.

How to Avoid Tashabbuh in Daily Life

Avoiding tashabbuh is a critical step in maintaining the sanctity of Islamic teachings in daily life. Here are some ways to achieve this:

1. Strengthening Faith and Character

Strengthening faith and character is the primary key to avoiding tashabbuh. By cultivating strong convictions and practicing noble character, one can resist behaviors that contradict religious teachings.

2. Embracing Islamic Identity Proudly

Maintaining pride in one's Islamic identity is an effective way to avoid tashabbuh. By enhancing knowledge about Islam and internalizing Islamic values in daily life, individuals can confidently face any form of tashabbuh temptation.

3. Being Selective in Social Circles

Avoiding negative company and being selective in social circles are vital steps to avoid tashabbuh. Choosing friends who support and practice Islamic teachings will help individuals steer clear of negative influences and behaviors that contradict their beliefs.

By implementing these three steps, individuals can live consistently in accordance with Islamic teachings and protect themselves from the harmful impacts of tashabbuh.

Conclusion:

Tashabbuh, the act of imitating disbelievers or those without faith, is strongly forbidden in Islam due to its potential dangers on faith and character.

The prohibition of tashabbuh has been clearly outlined in the Quran and Hadith as a warning to Muslims. Different types of tashabbuh can manifest in various aspects of daily life, and its impacts can be detrimental.

Therefore, it is essential for Muslims to avoid tashabbuh by strengthening their faith and character, maintaining pride in their Islamic identity, and being cautious in their social interactions. By doing so, they can live in harmony with Islamic teachings and safeguard themselves from the negative consequences of tashabbuh.

Source: detikHikmah (modified)

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