Generally speaking, all habits and traditions are permissible provided that they do not violate Shari`ah rules. So, Muslims should not oppose such traditions or customs as long as they are not contradicting Shari`ah.
I do not agree with this view. Islam, while opposing adoption of pagan practices and customs that are contrary to the teachings of tawhid, does not teach us to shun customs and practices that are beneficial.
As a matter of fact, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), as well as his companions, freely adopted the Arab customs and practices. Following him, Muslims embraced the customs and practices of people they encountered, giving rise to a majestic Islamic civilization, which was a synthesis of the Islamic norms with the local cultures. So, those who shun customs and cultures- in spite of their proven benefits- are in fact telling us that Islam calls for a return of the Arabian customs and practices prevailing in the Prophetic times.
Long ago, our jurists established the golden rule: “Customs have the force of law” (unless contradicted by the Shari’ah). They also stated that people are free to innovate customs, while they are restricted from innovating rituals of worship, for the former is the work of man, while the latter is the work of the Lawgiver.
Furthermore, Islam teaches us to learn wisdom wherever we find them. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) also taught us to seek treatments wherever we find them, as long as they do not involve anything antithetical to the beliefs of Islam.
