I am confused by Ibn Taymiyyah’s statement regarding the hadith, “Whoever imitates a people is one of them.” He said: “The apparent meaning of the hadith is disbelief, and at the very least…”

Question:
He says: Honorable Shaykh, may Allah grant you success, there is a statement by Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah (may Allah have mercy on him) that confused me. It is his statement regarding the hadith . He said, “The apparent meaning of the hadith is disbelief, and the least of what is in it is prohibition.” He also said in another place that the prohibition of imitating the disbelievers includes both the one who intends it and the one who does not. What is the Shaykh’s intent in his statement about the disbelief of that? Also, how do we distinguish between the one who intends it and the one who does not?

Answer:
The statement is clear. The apparent meaning of the hadith is that the word “one of them” indicates that he is like them in disbelief. This is the apparent meaning of the hadith. However, the least of its implications is that it indicates the prohibition of imitation. The prohibition of imitation. As for the one who intends it and the one who does not, the discussion concerns the appearance. If he imitates them, the imitation has occurred. But if he intended it, he commits a sin. If he did not intend it, or was ignorant of it, it is excused for him. If he persists after being informed, he commits a sin. Yes.