The criterion for imitating the disbelievers?

Question : Honorable Shaykh, many young people have disagreed on the issue of imitating the disbelievers. Is there a criterion that clarifies this issue so that it can serve as a rule?

Answer : Yes, imitating the disbelievers occurs through appearance, clothing, food, and so on, because it is a general term. Its meaning is that a person does something specific to the disbelievers, such that one who sees him thinks he is one of the disbelievers. This is the criterion. If a person does something or adorns himself with clothing or something else in a way that is specific to what the disbelievers do, that is imitation.
However, if this thing has become widespread among Muslims and has become common to both Muslims and disbelievers, then the imitation ceases. Even if its origin was taken from the disbelievers, the imitation ceases and it becomes not forbidden, unless it is forbidden in itself, such as men wearing silk. The disbelievers wear silk, and Muslims do not wear silk. So if a Muslim wants to wear silk, we say this is forbidden and not permissible. Even if many Muslims wear it, it is not lawful for you, because what is forbidden in itself remains forbidden and does not cease. And what is forbidden due to its description becomes lawful when that description ceases. Yes.