that resemblance gives rise to similarity in character. We mentioned that those who spend much time with certain animals acquire some of their traits, as do dog handlers and camel herders. We also cited the scriptural texts condemning those who are rough and hard-hearted—camel herders—and praising those who tend sheep. What, then, of imitating the animals themselves in the traits for which they are condemned?

Indeed, by even stronger implication, this principle entails a general prohibition against imitating animals in anything distinctive to them, even if that particular trait is not itself blameworthy, because doing so leads to conduct that is itself blameworthy. It is well known that being a Bedouin or a non-Arab is better than being a dog, a donkey, or a pig. Thus, if imitating these categories of human beings in their distinctive characteristics is prohibited because it involves imitating something that entails deficiency and leads to it, then imitating animals in their distinctive characteristics is even more deserving of condemnation and prohibition.

Second reason

For a human being to be like animals is blameworthy. Allah Most High says:

“We have certainly created for Hell many of the jinn and mankind. They have hearts with which they do not understand, eyes with which they do not see, and ears with which they do not hear. They are like livestock; rather, they are further astray. It is they who are heedless.”

Third reason

Allah, glorified is He, only likens a human being to a dog, a donkey, or similar animals in order to condemn him, as in His words:

“So his likeness is that of a dog: if you drive it away, it pants; if you leave it alone, it pants. Such is the likeness of the people who deny Our signs. So relate these accounts, that they may reflect.”