Section: The textual proofs that command us to differ from the unbelievers in general and from their festivals in particular
Clarifying the benefit of opposing the unbelievers and the harm and corruption incurred by imitating them

Section
Because discussion of a specific question can often be subsumed under a broader principle, we shall begin by citing some of the indications from the Qur’an, the Sunnah, and the unanimous agreement of the scholars that enjoin differing from the unbelievers and forbid resembling them in general. This applies whether the directive is comprehensive—covering every type of distinction—or restricted to certain kinds, and whether it is a matter of obligation or of recommended practice.

We shall then follow that with evidence that specifically forbids resembling them in their festivals.

Here I draw attention to a subtle point already noted in this book: a command to concur with a people, or to differ from them, may itself be because the very intention to concur with them—or the concurrence itself—is beneficial. Likewise, the very intention to differ from them—or the difference itself—is beneficial, in other words: