The Phenomenon of Limitation and Following in the Holly Qur'an

Similarity, following, emulation, following the right path, compulsion, precedence and succession are all terms that cluster around imitation and harmonize with it. But the nearest to it is similarity and following Imitation as such is the central topic and subject of this study. Since the universe does not conduct itself in vain and things are not brought about risk folly, and behaviors do not emanate from vacuum, there is a cause for every event and a reason for every result. As this is the case, imitation could not have been widespread in all epochs, and it could not have preoccupied overwhelmingly hearts had it not been for causative factors that have produced and nurtured it. On top of these factors is ignorance of the reality of divinity and mission of prophets. Second to ignorance in its repulsiveness is the pursuit of whim, particularly when it comes to doubts over creeds or legislation, or when it comes to pursuing personal desires and appeals allured by Satan's or Sultans. Furthermore, there is nothing more equal to ignorance and pursuing whims in their repulsiveness other than timidity and weakness. If one fears someone else, one will think of him as a leader and take him an exemplar to whom he claps, well-pleased and well pleasing. In the same taken, if one is incapable of confronting and defying, one will be inclined to obedience and submission. Finally, if you like, you imitate whom you like, whether he is dead or a live. The same has been the practice with prophets and righteous people. Imitation and following occur in numerous domains, the most prominent of which is the creed. Hence, the symphony of desire to send angels rather than human beings has been repeated in addition to speeches ridiculing prophets and calling for expelling and torturing them along with denial of resurrection after death, and perpetually attributing sin and disobedience to fate. Further, imitation is found in ordinances of Islam, rituals and laws. It also reaches its extremity in morals: morals of the people of the book (Jews and Christians),hypocrites and polytheists. This imitation has been prevalent and widespread that it has become one of the characteristics of our time. Imitation and following have negative impacts on the nation and individuals. Among these painful impacts are those which we experience while alive, particularly division, seclusion in groups, impatience, loss of support, widespread of corruption in its hideous forms, and alignment with atheist. All of these result in spoiling minds, distorting culture and probably infidelity and apostasy from Islam. Not only these, for in the Hereafter there will be grief, and contention which ignites blame and reproof between successors and their predecessors in their disgraceful confrontation. As long as imitation has this ugly face, these dangerous consequences and painful impacts, it becomes imperative to confront and curb it. We can do so by deriving lessons from the punishment inflicted upon previous nations with the aim of guarding ourselves against those nations' profanity. Yet speaking alone about this matter does not render things right unless there is a good example to follow and an approach to take. The study has concluded that the Glorious Qur'an has paid a lot of attention to the question of imitation and following in view of their grave impacts in this world and in the Hereafter. It has also concluded that one of the most dangerous diseases threatening societies is ignorance, for it results in personal weakness leading to imitation and joining of others.