It is mentioned in the hadith: “Whoever imitates a people is one of them.” Does this mean that whoever imitates the disbelievers is a disbeliever?

Question:
The Honorable Shaykh, may Allah grant you success, asks regarding the saying of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) : Is the meaning that he is truly one of them, such that if he imitates the disbelievers, he becomes a disbeliever absolutely?

Answer:
Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah (may Allah have mercy on him) said about this hadith that at the very least, it indicates the prohibition of imitating others. Although its apparent meaning indicates disbelief, imitating others varies: sometimes it is disbelief, sometimes it is open sinfulness, and sometimes it is a sin. Yes, its types vary. Yes.