Muslims Advised against Blind Emulation
This approach of the Holy Book has opened windows of growth and flourishing to Muslims.
In ancient times, imitating and emulating fathers and forefathers were a norm in societies. Such blind imitations that are destructive are also seen in modern time’s societies.
Blind emulation has two ominous outcomes: First it conceals some truths from humanity’s life and, second, it blocks the path of growth, progress and changing directions.
Verse 170 of Surah Al-Baqarah is one of the verses of the Quran that bans imitation without thinking: “When some people are asked to follow the revelations of God, they say, ‘We would rather follow what our fathers have followed,’ even though their fathers had no understanding and could not find the true guidance.”
Ayatollah Nasser Makarem Shirazi in his Nemuneh Exegesis of the Quran says: The Holy Quran immediately condemns the superstitious logic and blind imitation of forefathers by noting clearly that their fathers did not understand and were not guided either. That is to say, if their forefathers had been guided, it would be ok to follow in their footsteps. However, their forefathers neither had understanding nor had leaders and guides who were aware. It would destructive to emulate those who are ignorant.
In his Noor Exegesis of the Quran, Hojat-ol-Islam Mohsen Qara’ati has pointed out some of the lessons that can be learned from this verse. He says the previous verse has warned mankind to avoid following Satan and this verse mentions one of the examples of the path of Satan, which is blind emulation.
Logical and reasonable emulation is not prohibited. What the Quran bans is emulating those who neither are wise nor have accepted the guidance of the messengers of God. Divine guidance is there in every place and time.
Messages of Verse 170 of Surah Al-Baqarah, according to Noor Exegesis of the Quran:
1- Irtija (turning back, being reactionary) is prohibited. Following the path and tradition of forefathers and previous generations is not acceptable if it is without thinking and reasoning. (We would rather follow what our fathers have followed)
2- Racial and tribal prejudices are among the factors that set the ground for not accepting the truth.
3- The beliefs and conducts of forefathers affect the way future generations live.
4- The path of the truth can be found with wisdom and with the Revelation. (…their fathers had no understanding and could not find the true guidance).
5- Passing on experiences and knowledge is valuable but passing on superstition from one generation to the next is unacceptable.
6- The intellect leads us to following the Revelation.
