and some of the burdens of those whom they mislead without knowledge.”

This following and imitation which Allah condemns amounts to following one’s desires, whether because of custom and lineage, as in following one’s forefathers, or because of authority, as in following prominent people, masters, and the arrogant. It resembles a person’s imitation of his father, his master, or someone who holds authority over him. This occurs with someone who is not yet independent, namely a child. His religion is that of his mother; if she is absent, it is that of his ruler and his father. If the latter is absent, as in the case of a foundling, his religion is that of those responsible for him—namely, the inhabitants of the town where he lives. Once he reaches maturity and can speak for himself, however, he is either grateful or ungrateful. Allah has made clear that one must turn away from this imitation and instead follow what Allah has revealed to His messengers, for they are Allah’s proof through whom He has left His creation without excuse.

The discussion of imitation concerns two matters: whether it is valid or invalid as evidence, and whether it is sanctioned or not under religious law. As for the first, the imitation in question yields no knowledge. The person being imitated may be right or wrong, and the imitator does not know whether he is right or wrong. Thus, he gains neither confidence nor reassurance. If, however, he knows that the person he imitates is right