The Danger of Blind Imitation

Question:
What is your opinion, may Allah reward you, regarding what most people do, which is imitating others? If he is advised, he says: "People do it?"

Answer:
As for imitating people, this is an error. Allah has criticized the polytheists and blamed them for saying to the prophets: [Surah al-Zukhruf: 23]. Allah criticized them for this; this is the action of polytheists and ignorant people.
Therefore, it is obligatory for the Muslim to ask those with knowledge. Allah said: [Surah al-Nahl: 43]. He does not imitate the ignorant masses or the common people. Rather, he asks the scholars if he does not have knowledge. If he is able to acquire knowledge, he reads the Qur'an, reflects on the words of his Lord, reads the Sunnah, and memorizes what is easy for him from it, so that he knows the truth. If he is not able to look to the scholars, he asks about the scholars in any country and seeks their fatwas regarding what Allah and His Messenger said, saying: "Guide me to the Shari'ah of Allah, guide me to what Allah and His Messenger said in this matter, so that I act according to the Shari'ah of Allah and the religion of Allah." He does not imitate people and follow them in truth and falsehood. No, rather, he does not follow people except in truth alone, not in falsehood.