By the One in Whose Hand my soul is, you will follow the ways of those before you

Explanation

The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) set out for Hunayn, a valley between Tā’if and Makkah, and he was accompanied by some of the Companions who had recently embraced Islam. They passed by a tree called Dhāt Anwāt, i.e., on which things were hung. The polytheists used to revere it and hang their weapons and other things upon it to seek blessing. Thinking it was permissible, they asked the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) to make them a tree like this one upon which they could hang their weapons to seek blessing. Thereupon, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) exalted Allah by way of disapproval of such a request and by way of extolling Allah. He informed them that their statement was similar to that which the people of Moses had said to him: {Make for us a god just as they have gods} When they saw those who were worshipping idols and asked to have idols like those of the polytheists, he clarified to them that by this, they were indeed following their ways. Then, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) informed by way of warning that this Ummah will follow the ways of the Jews and Christians and will copy their acts.

Benefits

• One may admire something thinking it will bring him closer to Allah Almighty although it keeps him far away from Him.
• A Muslim should glorify Allah and proclaim His greatness whenever he hears what should not be said about religion or what is surprising.
• Seeking blessing in trees, rocks, and other things is a kind of Shirk (polytheism), as blessing should only be sought from Allah alone.
• The reason behind worshiping idols lies in revering them, being devoted to them, and seeking blessing in them.
• It is obligatory to block the means and ways that lead to polytheism.
• Religious texts that criticize the Jews and Christians are a warning to us.
• It is prohibited to imitate the people of Jāhiliyyah (pre-Islamic era of ignorance), the Jews, and the Christians, except in what is proven to be part of our religion.