تہذیبی تناظر میں اصول عدم تشبیہ: معاصر معاشرےمیں اس کا اطلاقی جائزہ

Abstract

The principle of non-resemblance to non-Muslims (Adam al-Tashabbuh bil-Kuffar) is an important concept in Islamic jurisprudence and Muslim social thought. It primarily concerns the adoption of distinctive religious beliefs, rituals, symbols, customs, and cultural practices that are specifically associated with non-Muslim communities and contradict Islamic teachings. However, not every form of cultural interaction or similarity with non-Muslims necessarily falls within the prohibited category of tashabbuh. In the contemporary world, rapid technological development, globalization, migration, international communication, and multicultural societies have brought diverse religious and cultural communities into close interaction. This situation necessitates a balanced understanding of the principle of non-resemblance so that Muslims can preserve their religious and cultural identity without isolating themselves from society or violating the rights of others. This study examines the linguistic and terminological meanings of tashabbuh, distinguishes it from related concepts such as imitation, following, conformity, and emulation, and explores its application in contemporary pluralistic societies. The study also analyzes relevant Qur’anic guidance, Prophetic traditions, and examples from the Prophetic biography, including social relations with non-Muslims, the protection of their rights, Hilf al-Fudul, and the Charter of Madinah. The research concludes that Islamic teachings neither advocate unconditional imitation of other cultures nor require complete social isolation from non-Muslim communities. Rather, Islam provides a balanced framework in which Muslims maintain their distinctive religious identity while participating in peaceful coexistence, social cooperation, justice, mutual respect, and constructive engagement with people of other faiths. Therefore, the principle of non-resemblance should be understood within its proper religious, cultural, and contextual framework in order to address the realities of contemporary pluralistic societies.