The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) told us that his ummah would follow the previous nations, the Jews, Christians and Persians, but this was undoubtedly not praise for their actions, rather it is by way of condemnation and a warning. It was narrated from Abu Sa’eed (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: «You will certainly follow the ways of those who came before you, handspan by handspan, cubit by cubit, until even if they entered the hole of a lizard, you will do so too», We asked, “O Messenger of Allaah, (do you mean) the Jews and the Christians?” He said, «Who else?» [Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 3269; Muslim, 2669[.

It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: «The Hour will not begin until my ummah follows in the footsteps of those who came before it, handspan by handspan, cubit by cubit», It was asked, “O Messenger of Allaah, like the Persians and Romans?” He said, «Those are the people?» [Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 6888].