Question
What are the advantages and the disadvantages of the Western culture to Muslims?
Answer
All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger, may Allah exalt his mention as well as that of his family and all his companions.
With regard to advantages and disadvantages of Western culture, one has to look first to what is meant by it. If what is meant are the principles and foundations of the people, which are based on their traditions and customs, then among this culture there is what is beneficial but it is very rare and there are disadvantages and this is what is predominant; so this is in general
As regards giving a ruling about it, first one has to look at each and every tradition and idea separately. If there is something in it that corresponds to the creed of a Muslim and his legislation, then this is positive, and what opposes his creed and legislation is a disadvantage, and thereby that is how the position of a Muslim towards this culture is determined. Allah says (which means): {Then We have put you (O Muhammad ) on a plain way of (Our) commandment [like the one which We commanded Our Messengers before you (i.e. legal ways and laws of the Islamic Monotheism)]. So follow you that (Islamic Monotheism and its laws), and follow not the desires of those who know not.}[Qur'an 45:18].
Also, the Prophet said: "You will follow the ways of those nations who were before you, span by span and cubit by cubit (i.e., inch by inch) so much so that even if they would enter a hole of a lizard, you would follow them." We said, "O Allah's Apostle! (Do you mean) the Jews and the Christians?" He said, "Who else?" [Al-Bukhari]
Allah Knows best.
Fatwa answered by: The Fatwa Center at Islamweb