—mean that every one of them is like that, or that their hearts are sound; how could a heart be sound when it is devoid of faith? Those laudable traits are, in fact, foundational principles of Islam that the Muslims themselves have been commanded to uphold. Moreover, we do not concede that such virtues actually prevail among the disbelievers as their admirers claim; they are but occasional appearances, confined to particular cases and individuals. In truth, the observable reality today is that the morals of the disbelievers in general are corrupt and repugnant: envy, treachery, betrayal, aggression, depravity, lying, debauchery, and other vices are widespread—evils about which they themselves complain and which trouble their thinkers, intellectuals, and would-be reformers, if any genuine reformers exist among them.

Consequently, Muslims today must cultivate their own distinct identity—noble character, virtuous customs, and honored Arabic language—drawing all of that from their Islamic law, the guidance of their Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him and his family, and their righteous predecessors.

Whatever belongs to the hallmarks of the disbelievers today—be it customs, traditions, fashions, or patterns of behavior—the Muslim should avoid as far as possible.

The same holds true for the revival and promotion of the blameworthy morals, features, usages, and traditions of pre-Islamic ignorance—something that nationalists and patriots (who sanctify homelands), Baʿthists, and the like are striving to resurrect and propagate among the Muslims under banners of “authenticity,” “nationalism,” “patriotism,” “reviving heritage,” “celebrating past glories,” “pride in antiquities,” and similar slogans that have no foundation in the Book of Allah or the Sunnah of His Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him and his family. All of this falls under the prohibition of adopting the condemned ways of Jāhiliyyah, even if they cloak them in the garb of progress and civilization.