…which possess intellect, yet have neither motion nor life—where, then, is human reason? Exalted is God far above what they allege. 51 – Concerning Abu Waqid al-Laythi (may Allah be pleased with him), who, according to the prevalent view, embraced Islam in the Year of the Conquest, the eighth year after the Hijra. The expression “it was called Dhat Anwat”: anwat is the plural of nawṭ, “a thing that is hung up”; hence Dhat Anwat means “the tree of hangings,” because they used to hang their weapons on it in search of blessing. Some Companions who had only recently entered Islam and had not yet fully understood tawhid (pure monotheism) said, “Assign for us a Dhat Anwat just as they have a Dhat Anwat.” This is the scourge of imitation and emulation—among the greatest of calamities. The Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) was astonished and exclaimed, “Allahu akbar! Allahu akbar! Allahu akbar!” Whenever something pleased him or he found something objectionable, he would pronounce the takbir or say “Subhan Allah,” repeating it. “Verily, it is the sunan,” meaning the paths people tread so that some of them follow the example of others… (1) Reported by al-Tirmidhi, no. 2180, in the Book of Trials, chapter “You will surely follow the ways of those before you”; he graded it “sound and good.” Also reported by Ahmad (5/218), Ibn Abi Asim in al-Sunna, no. 76, and Ibn Hibban in his Sahih, no. 6702 (Ihsan). Authenticated by Ibn Hajar in al-Isaba, 4/216.