On the History of the Development of the Concept of Tashabbuh bil Kuffar

By Adis Duderija, New Age Islam 3 September 2025 The concept of Tashabbuh bil Kuffar,(or the idea of “imitating non-believers”) as discussed in works by scholars such as Muhammad Khalid Masud and Youshaa Patel has been a significant theological discourse within Islam. At its core, this doctrine has been shaped by a complex interplay of religious, cultural, and political contexts. Its evolution reflects broader themes in the history of Muslim thought, particularly regarding the boundaries between religion and culture, the dynamics of identity, and the ever-shifting landscape of cosmopolitanism. The aim of the short article is ,on the basis of scholarship of Masud and Patel, to outline how the concept evolved over time and what its contemporary implications are for understanding the relationship between Muslims and non-Muslims. Early Developments: Refining Similarity and Dissimilarity In its nascent stages, Tashabbuh bil Kuffar was primarily concerned with delineating what constituted appropriate behaviour for Muslims in contrast to non-believers. Early theologians grappled with the implications of similarity and dissimilarity, attempting to establish a framework that would protect the integrity of Islamic identity while recognizing the realities of cultural exchange and interaction. This initial focus was not merely about prohibiting imitation; it was about understanding the religious implications of adopting practices from non-Muslim cultures. The early discussions around Tashabbuh often revolved around specific practices—clothing, rituals, and social customs. The scholars debated whether these practices could be viewed as innocuous or if they carried deeper theological significance that risked diluting Islamic identity. The engagement with these questions laid the groundwork for distinguishing between cultural practices that could coexist with religious duties and those that fundamentally contradicted Islamic teachings. The Shift Toward Distinction As the discourse around Tashabbuh evolved, a more pronounced emphasis on the distinction between the religious and cultural emerged. This shift was crucial in defining the boundaries of Islamic practice and belief. Theologians began to articulate clear criteria for what constituted acceptable cultural practices, often invoking the concept of Bid’a, or innovation. This differentiation served as a means to reinforce religious authority and delineate the community of believers from the broader society. The implications of this development were significant. On one hand, it allowed for a nuanced understanding of how Muslims could engage with diverse cultures without compromising their faith. On the other hand, it also set the stage for a more rigid interpretation of religious identity, where any perceived deviation from established norms could be labelled as heretical or un-Islamic. This tension between openness and exclusion continues to resonate in contemporary debates about cultural integration and religious authenticity. Political Context and the Expansion of Tashabbuh The political landscape has played a pivotal role in shaping the discourse around Tashabbuh bil Kuffar. As Muslim societies encountered various powers—be it colonial forces, global capitalism, or even internal political upheavals—their responses often hinged on the theological foundations of Tashabbuh. In many instances, the doctrine became a political tool, used to either justify or contest alliances with non-Muslim entities. The Qur’anic term Wila, which denotes alliance or friendship, further complicates the understanding of Tashabbuh. By extending the notion of similarity to include political alliances, theologians introduced a new layer of complexity to the doctrine. The question of intention became paramount: was the imitation aimed at achieving a similar objective to non-believers? If so, it was deemed problematic. This emphasis on intention allowed for a more flexible interpretation of Tashabbuh, accommodating a range of motivations behind cultural exchange and political alliances. The Role of Intention The introduction of intention as a distinguishing factor in the evaluation of Tashabbuh reflects a broader trend within Islamic theology to navigate the complexities of modernity and globalization. In a world increasingly marked by intercultural exchanges, the ability to discern the motivations behind actions has become essential. Theologians posited that similarity was only forbidden when the intention explicitly aimed to adopt non-Islamic objectives. This shift opened the door for a more dynamic understanding of cultural interaction, recognizing that Muslims could engage with non-Muslim cultures without necessarily compromising their faith. This emphasis on intention also speaks to a larger dialogue about authenticity in Islamic practice. In an age of globalization, where cultural boundaries are increasingly porous, the notion of what it means to be authentically Muslim has come under scrutiny. The debates surrounding Tashabbuh reflect this ongoing negotiation, as Muslims grapple with the implications of cultural borrowing and the authenticity of their religious expression. The historical development of Tashabbuh is closely tied to the evolving concept of cosmopolitanism within Islamic thought. As Muslim communities navigated various cultural and political contexts, their understanding of cosmopolitanism shifted in tandem. The idea that one could belong to multiple cultural spheres—while maintaining a distinct religious identity—became increasingly relevant. In the twenty-first century, discussions around Tashabbuh have gained renewed significance amidst debates on globalism, pluralism, and multiculturalism. The rise of Islamophobia , Islamist extremism and the associated challenges of interfaith dialogue further complicate the landscape. The historical context of Tashabbuh offers valuable insights into contemporary Muslim identities and their engagement with broader societal issues. Muslims today face the challenge of navigating their religious identity in a world that often views them through a lens of suspicion as well as because of appalling and horrific acts of Islamist terrorism and Islamic fundamentalism more generally. The historical evolution of Tashabbuh serves as a reminder that the boundaries between religion and culture are not fixed; they are continually negotiated in response to shifting political and social landscapes. The ongoing debates surrounding Tashabbuh , therefore, reflect a larger struggle for belonging and authenticity in an increasingly interconnected world. The development of the concept of Tashabbuh bil Kuffar illustrates the intricate relationship between religion, culture, and politics within the Islamic tradition. As Muslim theologians grappled with the implications of imitation and similarity, they laid the groundwork for a discourse that continues to evolve. The history of Tashabbuh reveals not only the complexities of Islamic identity but also the broader dynamics of cultural exchange and cosmopolitanism. In a world marked by diversity and interdependence, understanding these historical developments is essential for fostering dialogue and mutual respect among different cultures and faiths. ----- Adis Duderija is an Associate Professor in Islam and Society and Griffith University and a book series editor of a new book series on Islam and Process-Relational Thought (Routledge). URL: https://www.newageislam.com/debating-islam/history-concept-tashabbuh-bil-kuffar/d/136703 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism