—especially a peer—do it, and then did it themselves! For people are like flocks of sandgrouse, naturally disposed to imitate one another.

Thus, whoever initiates good or evil receives the same reward or bears the same burden of sin as those who follow him. As the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“Whoever establishes a good practice will receive its reward and the reward of those who act upon it until the Day of Resurrection, without diminishing their rewards in the least. Whoever establishes an evil practice will bear its burden of sin and the burden of those who act upon it until the Day of Resurrection, without diminishing their burdens in the least.”

This is because they share the same essential nature: like cases receive like judgments, and a thing is drawn to what resembles it.

If, then, these two are powerful incentives, what if two further incentives are added to them?