A Comprehensive Note On Bidah (Innovated Practices in Religion)
Bidah is an arabic word linguistically meaning Innovation. In religious term (shariah) bid’ah means something that has been introduced into the religion of Allaah that has no general or specific basis to support it.
Definition of Bidah in Religious term:
1] Shaykh Muhammad al wasaabi: Bid’ah is every Belief, action or saying which is introduced after the death of the prophet صلى الله عليه Ùˆ سلم with the intention of worshiping and drawing close to Allaah with no evidence from the Book of Allaah nor from the Sunnah and nor from the actions of the Salaf (Sahabaas - companions).
2] Shaykh Muhammad ibn ‘Uthaymeen (rahimahullah) said: “According to sharee’ah, the definition is ‘Worshipping Allaah in ways that Allaah has not prescribed.’ If you wish you may say, ‘Worshipping Allaah in ways that are not those of the Prophet PBUH or his rightly guided successors (al-khulafaa’ al-raashidoon).’”
3] Imaam ash-Shaatibee (rahima-hullaah) mentions:
The Sharee’ah definition of BIDAH is: “A newly invented way [beliefs or actions of limbs or tongues] in the religion, in imitation of the Sharee’ah (prescribed Law), by which nearness to Allaah is sought, [but] not being supported by any authentic proof – neither in its foundations, nor in the manner in which it is performed)). [al-I’tisaam of ash-Shaatibee (1/37)]
Now, though innovations in worldly matters, such as science, medicine and technology are acceptable and encouraged. It is Bid`ah in the religion that is haraam (strictly prohibited) and is a great sin because it contradicts the most basic teachings of Quran and there are numerous plain warning from Prophet (PBUH) against it in many authentic ahadeeth.
ALLAH (SWT) Says: " ..This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My favor upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion."[Quraan; Surah Maaidah : (5:3)]
It is reported on the Imaam Maalik, that he said: "Whosoever introduces into Islaam an innovation, which he deems is good, then he has claimed that Muhammad (saws) has betrayed (the trust of conveying) the Message. Read the saying of Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic: 'This day I have completed your Religion for you, and I have perfected My favor upon you, and I am pleased with Islaam as a Religion for you.' [Surat-ul-Maa’idah:3] So whatever was not (part of) the Religion on that day, is not (part of) the Religion on this day. And the last part of this ummah (nation) will not be rectified, except by that which rectified its first part." [Reported by Qaadee 'Iyaadh in ash-Shifaa (2/676) and Shaatibee in AI-l'tisaam (1/29).]
ALLAH (SWT) SAYS:
"Say (O Muhammad), 'If you (really) love Allah then follow me, Allah will love you and forgive you your sins." [Soorah aali-Imran (3): 31]
"Follow what has been sent down unto you from your Lord (the Qur'aan and the Sunnah) and follow not any besides Him (Allah). Little do you remember!" [Soorah al-A'raf (7):3]
"Let those who oppose the Messenger’s order beware of a fitnah (trial) to befall them, or a painful torment to be inflicted upon them." [Surah Noor; (24:63)]
(And let those beware who oppose the Messenger's commandment) This means going against the commandment of the Prophet , which is his way, methodology, and Sunnah. All religious words and deeds will be measured; those that are in accordance with Sunnah will be accepted, and whatever does not match up will be rejected, and will become a source of regret no matter who the person is, who said it, and did them. It was recorded in the Two Sahihs (Bukhari and Muslim) and elsewhere that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: “Whoever does a deed that is not in accordance with this matter of ours will have it rejected.”
"Verily, this is my Straight Path. So follow it, and follow not (other) paths, for they will separate you away from His Path." [Soorah al-An'am (6): 153]
Allaah's Messenger PBUH explained this to his Companions: One day he drew a straight line for them on the ground and then drew many short lines on both sides of it. He then recited the previous aayah (verse) whilst he was moving his noble finger over the straight line, and he said: "This is Allaah 's Path." He then pointed to the other lines and said: "These are other paths, and at the head of each one there is a devil calling towards it." [Musnad Ahmad 4142, Hasan Isnaad by Shoaib al Aranout and Sahih Ligharih by Albani in Zilaal Jannah fee Takhreej Sunnah No 16 and Mustadrak al Hakim 2938, Sahih by Ad Dhahabi in Talkhees.]
"And whosoever opposes the Messenger, even after the guidance has been clearly conveyed to him, and follows a path other than that of the Believers, we shall leave him in the path he has chosen and land him in Hell, what an evil destination." [Soorah an-Nisaa 4:115]
Imam Tabari (Rahimahullah) says about the ayah “And follows other than the believers' way” means Following the way which is not of the Companions of the Prophet (PBUH) and act according to the methodology which is not the methodology of them (i.e. Companions). [Tafsir Tabari 9/204]
Likewise, there are numerous verses which exhorts us to follow the sunnah of Prophet (PBUH) and severely warns against Bid’ah (innovating and changing the religion).
Prophet’s (PBUH) exhortations to cling to Sunnah and to Discard Bid’ah in Religion :
`Aishah (Radhiallahu anha) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "If anyone introduces in our matter (i.e. in Islam) something which does not belong to it, will be rejected".[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
The narration in Muslim says: "Whoever does an act (in Islaam) which is not in agreement with our matter (in deen), will have it rejected."
Narrated Ibn Abbas RA: The Messenger of Allah PBUH delivered a sermon on the day of Hajjatul Wida and said "O mankind, I am leaving two things with you, if you cling to them you will never go astray, the Book of Allah (Qur'an) and the Sunnah of the Prophet PBUH (Ahadith)". [Mustadrak Al Hakim Vol. 1, Hadith 318 also Targheeb wa Tarheeb No. 40, Sahih by Albani]
Narrated Irbaadh bin Saariyah that Allah's Messenger PBUH said, "Those of you who survive will see many discords. Beware; refrain from innovations in religion, for that is error. So, he of you who encounters that must adhere to my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the rightly guided caliphs. All of you should hold that firmly with your teeth.” [Tirmidhi 2685, Sahih by Albani]
Abdullah ibn Amr RA reported that Allah’s Messenger PBUH said, “The Banu Isra’il divided into seventy two sects and my ummah will divide into seventy-three sects, all of whom will go into the Fire except one sect. “The Companions asked (him), “Who are they, O Messenger of Allah PBUH”. He said, “(Who follow) what I am on and my companions (are on).” [Tirmidhi 2641, Hasan by Albani also authenticated by Al Iraqi in Takhreej Al Ihya 7/296 No. 3221 and in Ahkaam al-Qur’aan (3/432)]
Prophet (PBUH) used to say this in all his Friday sermons due to it’s great importance: "To proceed, the best speech is the Book of Allah and the best guidance is the guidance of Muhammad (PBUH), the worst practice is the introduction of new practices in Islam and every Bid`ah (innovation in Islam) is a misguidance". [Muslim :: Book 4 : Hadith 1885]
Abu Tufail 'Amir b. Withila reported that Ali RA said that the Messenger of Allah PBUH said "Allah cursed him who accommodates an innovator (in religion)." [Muslim :: Book 22 : Hadith 4876]
Narrated Ali ibn Abu Talib: The Messenger of Allah PBUH said "If anyone introduces an innovation (in religion), he will be responsible for it. If anyone introduces an innovation or gives shelter to a man who introduces an innovation (in religion), he is cursed by Allah, by His angels, and by all the people." [Abu Dawud :: Book 39 : Hadith 4515, Sahih by Albani]
Prophet’s (PBUH) warning against the advent of innovators in religion.
Narrated Hudhaifa RA, the Prophet PBUH said, "(There will be) some people who will guide others not according to my tradition" [Bukhari :: Book 9 :: Volume 88 :: Hadith 206.] The narration in Muslim is "(That time will witness the rise of) the people who will adopt ways other than mine and seek guidance other than mine". [Muslim :: Book 20 : Hadith 4553]
Narrated Abu Hazim from Sahl bin Sa'd: The Prophet PBUH said, "I am your predecessor (forerunner) at the Lake-Fount (Hawdh Kawthar), and whoever will pass by there, he will drink from it and whoever will drink from it, he will never be thirsty. There will come to me some people whom I will recognize, and they will recognize me, but a barrier will be placed between me and them."'I will say: They are of me (i.e. my followers). It will be said, 'You do not know what they innovated (new things) in the religion after you left'. I will say, 'Far removed, far removed (from mercy), those who changed (the religion) after me." [Bukhari :: Book 8 :: Volume 76 :: Hadith 585]
Likewise there are numerous authentic ahadeeth insisting that we firmly cling to sunnah in all our religious acts and not to do any religious act which has no basis of it in Sunnah of our beloved Prophet (PBUH).
Reasons behind the Existence of Bid’ah.
(a) Ignorance: When people do not value knowledge and evidences; ignorance flourishes and so does differences.
The Prophet of Allah (sallallahu alahi wa-sallam) informed us about this adversity when he said: “Whoever lives (long) will witness many differences.” [Abu Dawood]
And he (sallallahu alahi wa-sallam) also said: “Allah does not erase knowledge (from earth) by erasing knowledge from slaves (hearts). Rather, He erases knowledge through the death of scholars. When He leaves (earth) without scholars, people will take the ignorant as leaders (and scholars). They (the ignorant) will be asked and then give fatawah without knowledge. Then, they will be lead, and will lead astray.” [Musnad Ahmad]
People of knowledge are those who exhort on following Sunnah in the light of evidences from Quran and authentic ahadeeth and caution against all Bid'ahs that have been introduced in the religion of Islam. When knowledge and scholars disappear from particular sets of people or from particular locality, then Bid'ah sees the light of the day. Bid'ah then flourishes and blooms.
(b) Following One’s Desires: Whoever shuns the Qur'aan and the Sunnah, and follows his own desires, then pertaining him Allah says: “But if they answer you not (O Muhammad (sallallahu alahi wa-sallam) (i.e. do not believe in your teachings of Islamic Monotheism, nor follow you), then know that they only follow their own lusts. And who is more astray then one who follows his own lust (desires) without the guidance from Allah (revelation)" [Soorah Al-Qasas (28): 50]
“Have you seen him who takes his own desires as his god, and Allah knowing (him as such) left him astray, sealed his hearing and his heart, and put a cover on his sight. Who then will guide him after Allah.” [Soorah Al-Jathiyah (45): 23]
So, following one’s own desires leads one to straying away from the Straight Path and causes him to indulge in innovating newer practices in Islam.
(c) Blind Following:
“When it is said to them: ‘Follow what Allah has sent down.’ They say: ‘Nay! We shall follow what we found our fathers following. Even though their fathers did not understand anything, nor were they guided.’” [Soorah al-Baqarah(2): 170]
This is the case today with those who blindly follow and if they are called to following the Qur'aan and the Sunnah, leaving their traditions that opposes Quraan and Sunnah, they adamantly stick to their own school of thought, scholars, and ancestors.
(d) Imitating the Kuffar: Imitating the Kuffar is what causes people to mostly to fall in the trap of Bid'ahs, because actions of the Kuffar are built only upon corruption and misguidance.
Abu Waqid Al-Laithi (sallallahu alahi wa-sallam) said: “We were still new Muslims when we went to the battle of Hunain with the Prophet (sallallhu alahi wa-sallam). We found that the Mushrikeen had a tree, called ‘That Anwar’, which they revered and on which they hanged their weapons on. When we passed by a similar Sidrah we said: “O Messenger of Allah (sallallhu alahi wa-sallam), make for us ‘That Anwar’ as they have.. Prophet (sallallahu alahi wa-sallam) said: “Allahu Akbar! It is the Sunnan (traditions of the Mushrikeen). You said by He Who has my soul in His Hand, what the children of Israel said to Moses: “Make for us gods as they have gods. He said: 'Verily! You are a people who know not.” [7:138] and he (sallallahu alahi wa-sallam) said: You will follow the traditions of those before you (Jews and Christians)” [at-Tirmidhee]
In this hadeeth, we find that imitating the Kuffar (non-believers) is what drove Jews (before them), and some of the new companions (radhi allahu anhum), to ask for this ugly matter. This is the case with the majority of Muslims today, imitating the disbelievers, which is an opening to ruthless Bid'ahs in Islam.
(e) Over-zealousness in gaining nearness of ALLAH: Over-zealousness causes many to underestimate the significance of following the way of ALLAH'S messenger (PBUH) to gain nearness of ALLAH. Thus causing them to fall in to the trap of Bidah and they start to worship ALLAH or start to do indulge in actions to gain nearness of ALLAH in the manner which are not sanctioned by HIS Messenger (PBUH).
Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Three men came to the houses of the wives of the Prophet (PBUH) to inquire about the worship of the Prophet (PBUH). When they were informed, they considered their worship insignificant and said: "Where are we in comparison with the Prophet (PBUH) while Allah has forgiven his past sins and future sins". One of them said: "As for me, I shall offer Salat all night long.'' Another said: "I shall observe Saum (fasting) continuously and shall not break it". Another said: "I shall abstain from women and shall never marry". The Prophet (PBUH) came to them and said, "Are you the people who said such and such things? By Allah, I fear Allah more than you do, and I am most obedient and dutiful among you to Him, but still I observe fast and break it; perform Salat and sleep at night and take wives. So whoever turns away from my Sunnah does not belong to me". [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
So we see here that those three men desired nothing but good and their intention was nothing but pure and pious. They were overzealous and full of positive enthusiasm and used their analogy but it was rejected as it was against Sunnah [way of the Messenger (PBUH)]. And, such positive enthusiasm and analogy despite of pious intention was rejected else it would have opened the door for many innovations in Religion.
`Amr ibn Salamah said: “We used to sit in front of `Abdullaah Ibn Mas`ood’s house (radiyallaahu `anhu) before the Fajr Salaah, so that when he came out we would go with him to the Mosque.
Once, Abu Moosaa Al-Ash`aaree (radiyallaahu `anhu) came and asked us:
“Did Aboo `Abdur-Rahmaan (Ibn Masood) leave yet?”
We answered: “No.”
So Abu Moosaa Al-Ash`aaree (radiyallaahu `anhu) sat with us waiting for him. When he came out, we all stood up.
Abu Moosaa said:
“O Aboo Abdir-Rahmaan! I saw something in the mosque which I deemed to be evil, but all praise is for Allaah, I did not see anything except good.”
Ibn Mas'ood (radiyallaahu `anhu) said:
“What was it?”
Abu Moosaa (radiyallaahu `anhu) said:
“You will see it if you live. In the mosque, I saw a group of people sitting in circles waiting for the Salaah. Each circle was led by a person. And every person in these circles carried small stones (pebbles). The leader of a circle would say: “Say ‘Allaahu Akbar’ a hundred times,” so they would repeat Allaahu Akbar a hundred times. Then he would say: “Say ‘Laa ilaaha illallaah’ a hundred times,” so they would say Laa ilaaha illallaah a hundred times. Then he would say: “Say ‘Subhaanallaah’ a hundred times,” so they would say Subhaanallaah a hundred times.”
Then Ibn Mas`ood (radiyallaahu `anhu) said:
“What did you tell them?”
He replied:
“I did not say anything. I waited to hear your opinion or your order.”
`Abdullaah Ibn Mas`ood (radiyallaahu `anhu) said:
“Could you not have told them to count their evil deeds, and assured them that they would lose none of their good deeds?!”
Then `Abdullaah Ibn Mas`ood (radiyallaahu `anhu) went ahead and we accompanied him. As he approached one of the circles, he said:
“What is this that I see you doing?”
They replied:
“O Aboo `Abdir-Rahmaan, these are pebbles to count the number of times we say Allaahu Akbar, Laa ilaaha illallah, and Subhaanallaah.”
He said:
“Count your evil deeds, and I assure you that you are not going to lose anything of your good deeds! Woe unto you, Ummah of Muhammad (sallallaahu `alaihi wa sallam)! How quickly you go to destruction! These are the Companions of your Prophet (sallallaahu `alaihi wa sallam) available, these are his clothes not worn out yet, and his pots are not broken yet. I swear by Him in Whose Hand is my soul! You are either upon a religion better than the religion of Muhammad (sallallaahu `alaihi wa sallam) or you are opening a door to dalaalah (Misguidance).”
They said:
“By Allaah! O Aboo `Abdir-Rahmaan! We intended nothing but good.”
He replied:
“How many are the seekers of good but will never attain it?! The Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu `alaihi wa sallam) has told us:
“There will be a people who will recite the Qur’aan but it will not pass their throats (into the heart).” By Allaah, I do not know but I fear that most of them are from you!”
Then he turned away from them.
`Amr Ibn Salamah said:
“We saw most of the people of those circles fighting alongside the Khawaarij against us in the battle of An-Nahrawaan!”
[Authenticated by Al-Haithamee (Al-Majma`, 1/181, 189), Al-Haitamee (Az-Zawaajir, Al-Kabeerah #51 ), Al-Albaanee (As-Saheehah, 2005; Ar-Radd `alal-Habashee, p.45-47), `Abdul-Muhsin Al-`Abbaad (Al-Hathth `alat-tibaa`-is-Sunnah, p.49), Bakr Aboo Zaid (Tas-heeh-ud-Du`aa’, p.149, 153, 154), Husayn Asad (Musnad-ud-Daarimee, 210), `Amr Saleem (Al-Bida` libn Waddaah, 27), Al-Hilaalee (Al-Bid`ah, p.44-47), Al-Halabee (Ihkaam-ul-Mabaanee, p.55-58), Al-Huwainee (Al-Bid`ah wa Aathaaruhaa (1), 03:45), Mashhoor Salmaan (Al-Amr bil-Ittibaa, p.83-84), Zakariyyaa Al-Baakistaanee (Taudeeh-ul-Usool ) and others.]
Harms and Evil Effects Of Bid’ah :
The greatest harm of Bidah (innovation in religion) is that it opens the door for Shirk (Polytheism) and Kufr and causes splitting and division and eventually leads to creation of various sects in Islam. Once, any person or group deems Islam as incomplete and tries to fill something in to that which is 100% complete; a new sect is born. Islam suffers greatly due to it as it strength gets divided and people start to follow Bidah (innovation in religion) as if it is Sunnah of our beloved Prophet (PBUH). Bid’ah corrupts, adulterates, fabricates, pollutes, and taints the religion of Islam. Bidah is the only door through which shirk (polytheism) and Kufr enters in to Islam gradually.
Hassaan Ibn ’Atiyyah said, ‘‘No people introduce an innovation into their religion, except that Allah takes away its like from their Sunnah and then does not restore it to them until the Day of Resurrection" [Mishkat ul Masabih 188, Sahih by Albani also Darimi 98, Sahih Isnaad by Fawaz Ahmad]
Abdullah ibn Mas'ood RA lamented, "How will it be when the trials overcome you, in which the old grow senile and the young grow up. And the people take the bid'ah as the Sunnah, and when it changes they say the Sunnah has changed." It was then said, "When will that be O Abu Abdur rahmaan?" He replied, "When your speakers are many and your scholars are few, and your wealthy ones are plenty and trustworthy ones are few." [Darimi 185, Sahih Isnaad by Fawaz Ahmad.]
Fake Category Of Bid’ah:
1] Good Bidah (Bidah Hasanah)
2] Bad Bidah.
There is nothing like good Bidah and Bad Bidah, in Islaam. All Bidah (innovation) in religion are bad, prohibited (haraam) and are nothing but misguidance.
Allah's Messenger (SAS) said, "Whosoever innovates in our religion that is not from it, will have it rejected." [Bukhari and Muslim]
And "Every innovation in religion is a misguidance."[Muslim]
The Prophet (PBUH) thus declared all forms of Bidah as misguidance so how can one argue that not all forms of Bidah in the religion of Islam are misguidance.
Hafidh Ibn Rajab writes in Sharh al-Arba'een, "The saying of Allah's Messenger , 'Every Bidah is
misguidance’ is a comprehensive statement, which does not exclude anything (i.e. any innovation in the religion). This Hadeeth is a great fundamental of the Deen, like his saying, "Whosoever innovates in our religion, which is not from it will have it rejected."
Innovators who are mostly from sufi creed, uphold this argument that there is Bidah Husna (good bidah) in Islam. But, these innovators have no proof to withstand their claim except the saying of Umar concerning Salaat at-Taraweeh, "What a good Bidah this is!"
They also claim that there existed innovations which were not disliked by the Salaf like, gathering all the Qur'aan in one book, writing and documentation of the Hadeeth.
Reply: All these actions have an origin in the religion and thus are not innovations (explanation ahead).
The saying of Umar _, ‘What a good Bidah is this?’
The intention of Umar by this statement was innovation in the linguistic form and not innovation in the religion because if it is said, "It is a Bidah." - concerning an act which has an origin in the Sharee'ah then it means Bidah in the linguistic form and not a Bidah in the Sharee'ah because Bidah in the Sharee'ah is something that has no origin in the Sharee'ah.
Gathering the Qur'aan in one book has basis in the Sharee'ah because the Prophet (SAS) approved and ordered writing of the Qur'aan, though it was inscribed in parts. The Sahabah collected it in one book in order to preserve it.
Documentation of Ahadeeth also has roots in the Sharee'ah. Allah's Messenger (SAS) ordered that Ahadeeth be written for some Sahabah who requested it.
The only thing was that documentation was prohibited in general at the time of Allah's Messenger (PBUH) fearing that something might be added to the Qur'aan which was not from it.
After the death of Allah's Messenger (PBUH), the cause (behind this prohibition) ended because the Qur'aan had been completed and arrangement of the verses were also determined. So, the Muslims wrote down the Sunnah in order to preserve it from being lost. May Allah grant them good returns for their efforts in safeguarding the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Messenger (PBUH).
As far as Taraweeh is concerned, Allah's Messenger (PBUH) performed Taraweeh with his Sahabah but he later discontinued it fearing that Taraweeh might become an obligatory duty upon the Muslims.
However, the Sahabah continued praying Taraweeh in separate groups during the life of Allah's Messenger and after his death until Umar gathered them behind one Imam like they used to pray behind Allah's Messenger and so, this is not a Bidah in the religion. Thus, when Umar gathered them behind one Imaam he said what a good bid’ah it is, which was said purely in a linguistic sense as the previous Caliph viz Abu Bakr did not did this and he was the first to reintroduce it.
*Shaikhul-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah explained the meaning of Bidah
“Bidah in the language: is everything that is carried out for the first time without a similar example in the past.
Bidah in the Sharee'ah: is everything that does not have any proof from the Sharee'ah.”
Shaikhul-Islam further explained that during the life-time of Allah's Messenger , people used to establish the Qiyam of Ramadaan in Jama'ah, but on the third or fourth night Allah's Messenger explained that nothing prohibited him from coming out to pray with the companions except the fear that Taraweeh might be made obligatory upon the Ummah...
So, the excuse of not coming out to pray was the fear of obligation and it is established that if there was no such fear then Allah's Messenger would have come out.
This fear was not existent at the time of Umar (because the revelation was completed). Umar thus gathered the people behind one Imam and the mosque was lit up (with the people who joined in the Jama'ah) and this (delightful) atmosphere came into existence.
This action of gathering in the mosque behind one Imam was not carried out by the people prior to this day after Prophet (PBUH) and thus, Umar called it a Bidah because it is a new action in the linguistic form.
See, Iqtida Sirat al-Mustaqeem.*
Hence, using such examples to claim that one can innovate new practices in the religion are utterly baseless and is inspired by shaitaan to mislead and misguide.
[This chapter of Fake categories of Bidah is adapted from the work of Shaykh Saalih al Fawzaan (hafidhahullah) titled ‘The Ruling Concerning Mawlid an Nabawi - http://www.qsep.com/books/mawlid.html (Available for free download)]
Misquoting of the Hadeeth 'Whoever Starts a good thing' and it's reality : http://www.islamqa.com/en/ref/864/
Regarding adding the first call to prayer on Friday : http://www.islamqa.com/en/ref/13478/
Innovators use this fake category to introduce anything they want to insert in the complete religion of Islam, so that Islam becomes as per their desires as people would then blindly accept what they are saying in the name of Islam without asking for evidence. This fake category of Bid'ah is nothing but the destruction of Heavenly origin of Islam revealed upon the Last Messenger (PBUH) just as it corrupted message revealed upon the earlier messengers. Hence Bid'ah is more beloved to Shaitaan than other Sins.
Real Category Of Bidah:
Bid’ah may be divided into two categories:
(i) Bid’ah which constitutes kufr
(ii) Bid’ah which does not constitute kufr
Shaykh Haafiz al-Hukami (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: “The kind of bid’ah which constitutes kufr is when one denies a matter on which there is scholarly consensus, which widely-known, and which no Muslim can have any excuse for not knowing, such as denying something that is obligatory, making something obligatory that is not obligatory, or making something haraam as halaal, or making something halaal as haraam; or believing some notion about Allaah, His Messenger and His Book when they are far above that, whether in terms of denial of affirmation – because that means disbelieving in the Qur’aan and in the message with which Allaah sent His Messenger PBUH.
Examples include the bid’ah of the Jahamiyyah, who denied the attributes of Allaah; or the notion that some of the attributes of Allaah were created; or the bid’ah of the Qadariyyah who denied the knowledge and actions of Allaah; or the bid’ah of the Mujassimah who likened Allaah to His creation… etc. [Compiler’s note: Also included in it are Bidah of grave worshippers those who prostrate at the grave of saints and those who seek divine help from Prophets, Ali, Imaams, or saints by invoking on to them like saying, 'O' Ali (radhiallahu anhu) or 'O' Muhammad (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam) or ‘O’ Eesa (O Jesus) (alaihissalaam) or 'O' so and so saint help me, protect me from this or that, give me son, give me this - give me that, etc etc.. or using "lucky" things, thinking protection, sustenance, and other blessings come from one other than Allaah and etc]
The second category, bid’ah which does not constitute kufr, is defined as that which does not imply rejection of the Qur’aan or of anything with which Allaah sent His Messengers.
Examples include the Marwaani bid’ahs (which were denounced by the greatest Sahaabah who did not approve of them, although they did not denounce them as kaafirs or refuse to give them bay’ah because of that), such as delaying some of the prayers until the end of the due times, doing the Eid khutbah before the Eid prayer, delivering the khutbah whilst sitting down on Fridays, etc. [Compiler’s note: Also included in it are celebrating birthdays of Prophets, Imaams, saints or any religious personalities, mourning/ chest-beating on the day of Muharram, celebrating the night of isra wal Meraj, 15th night of sha’ban, etc etc as none of it has any basis of it in sunnah of our beloved Prophet (PBUH)]
(Ma’aarij al-Qubool, 2/503-504)
If the bid’ah constitutes kufr, then the person is one of the following two types:
1. Either it is known that his intention is to destroy the foundations of Islam and make the Muslims doubt it. Such a person is definitely a kaafir; indeed, he is a stranger to Islam and is one of the enemies of the faith.
2. Or he is deceived and confused; he cannot be denounced as a kaafir until proof is established against him, fair and square.
If the bid’ah does not constitute kufr, then he should not be denounced as a kaafir. Rather, he remains a Muslim, but he has done a gravely evil action.
Shaykh Muhammad ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: “In both cases, we have to call these people – who claim to be Muslim but who commit acts of bid’ah which may constitute kufr or may be less than that – to the truth, by explaining the truth without being hostile. But once we know that they are too arrogant to accept the truth, then we should point out their falsehood, because then pointing out their falsehood becomes an obligation upon us. (Adapted from Majmoo’ Fataawa Ibn ‘Uthaymeen, vol. 2, p. 293)
Few Advices Of our Pious Predecessors (i.e. Companions, tabieens, tabe tabieens and those who followed them) concerning Sunnah and Bidah:
Abdullah ibn Masud RA said "Follow (the Sunnah) and do not innovate, for you have been given that which is sufficient and every innovation is misguidance" [Kitab ul Ilm (No. 54) by Abu Khaythamah, Sahih by Albani.]
Hudhayfah ibn al-Yaman RA said, "Every act of worship which the Companions did not do, do not do it." [Al Itisaam by Al Shatibi 1/418 also Amr bil Ittiba wa nahi Al Ittiba by Suyuti 1/3, authenticated by Albani in Hujjat Nabi (1/100) and Manasik Hajj (1/44)]
Abdullah ibn Umar RA said "Every Innovation is Misguidance, even if the people consider it to be something good." [Itiqaad Ahle Sunnah wal Jamah by Lalikai No. 126 also related by al-Bayhaqee in al-Madkhal ilas-Sunan (no. 191) and also Ibn Nasr in as-Sunnah (p. 24). Its isnaad (chain of narration) is Sahih.]
Abdullah ibn Mas’ud (RA) said, ‘Moderation upon the Sunnah is better than exertion in innovation.’ [Al-Amr bil-’Ittibaa wan-Nahi anli-Ibtidaa’(1/2)]
Abul-Aaliyah (d. 90H) said, ‘You must stick to the original state of affairs which they were upon, before they are divided.’ [Al-Amr bil-’Ittibaa wan-Nahi anli-Ibtidaa’(1/2)]
Imaam az-Zuhree (d. 125H) said, ‘The people of knowledge who came before us used to say, ‘Salvation lies in clinging to the Sunnah.’ [Darimi 96, Sahih Isnaad by Fawaz Ahmad.]
Al-Awza’e (d. 158H) said, "Patiently restrict yourself to the Sunnah and do not go beyond the limits held by the decisions of the Companions; and speak with what they spoke with, hold their positions and avoid what they avoided. Hold to the path of the pious predecessors (As-Salaf As-Saalih), for verily what was sufficient for them is sufficient for you." [Itiqaad Ahle Sunnah wal Jamah by Laalikai No. 315]
Sufyaan ath-Thawree (d. 161H) said, ‘No (religious) word or action will be correct until it conforms with the Sunnah.’ [Al-Amr bil-’Ittibaa wan-Nahi anli-Ibtidaa’(1/2])
Imaam Sufyaan Ath-Thawree said, "Innovation is more beloved to Iblees than sin, since a person makes repentance from sin but does not repent from innovations (because he thinks bid'ah is from the religion)". [Itiqad Ahle Sunnah wal Jamah by Laalikai No. 238]
Compilers note: One who sins, knows that he is disobeying Allah and at some point of time, he may turn to Allah and seek forgiveness and be pardoned. But he, who practices Bidah, deems his action to be a form of
worship to Allah and thus, never even thinks of repentance! “Say (O Muhammad), ‘Shall We tell you the greatest losers in respect to (their) deeds? Those whose efforts have been wasted in this life while they thought that they were acquiring good by their deeds!’” [Soorah al-Kahf (18): 104] meaning, they performed deeds that were not in accordance with the prescribed way and thus not acceptable.
Imam Abu Hanifa said, "Cling firmly to the narrations and the way of the Salaf and beware of the newly invented affairs, for all of that is innovation" [Sawnul Mantaq wal kalam P.32 of Imam Suyuti.]
Imam Malik said: "Whosoever introduces into Islaam an innovation, which he deems is good, then he has claimed that Muhammad (saws) has betrayed (the trust of conveying) the Message. Read the saying of Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic: 'This day I have completed your Religion for you, and I have perfected My favor upon you, and I am pleased with Islaam as a Religion for you.' [Surah Maa’idah: Ayah 3] So whatever was not (part of) the Religion on that day, is not (part of) the Religion on this day.[ Shatibi in AI-l'tisaam (1/29).]
Imam Malik said, "The last part of this ummah (nation) will not be rectified, except by that which rectified its first part." [Majmu Fatawa (27/396) and Ighlaat ul Lahfaan (1/200)]
Imam Malik said, "Everyone after the Prophet PBUH will have his saying accepted or rejected, not so the Prophet PBUH". [Reported by Ibn Abdul-Barr in Jaami Bayaan al-Ilm (2/91).]
Imaam Maalik (d. 179H) said, ‘The Sunnah is like the Ark of Noah. Whoever embarks upon it reaches salvation and whoever refuses is drowned.’ [Quoted by Shaykh ul-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah in Majmoo’ ul Fataawaa (4/57).]
Ahmad ibn Hanbal said, "The foundations of the Sunnah with us are: Clinging firmly to what the Companions of Messenger of Allah PBUH were upon, taking them as examples to be followed, abandoning innovations, since all innovations are misguidance". [Itiqad Ahle Sunnah wal Jamah by Laalikai 1/156]
Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal said "Whoever rejects a hadith of the Messenger of Allah PBUH is on the brink of destruction." [Tabaqaatul-Hanaabilah (2/15) and by Ibn battah in al-Ibanatul-Kubraa (1/97) also [Ibn al-Jawzi (p. 182)2)]
Imam ash-Shaafi (RH) reported a consensus among the scholars of the Sahaba, the Tabyeen and their followers that: "If a sunnah of Allah's Messenger PBUH, becomes manifest to a person, he does not have any choice but to follow it, regardless of what other people say." [Quoted in Ar-Risaalah at-Tabookiyyah of Ibn ul Qayyim, Ibn al-Qayyim (2/361) & Fulaani (p. 68)]
Imaam al-Barbahaari (d.329H) said, ‘‘Beware of small innovations, because they grow and become large. This was the case with every innovation introduced into this Ummah. It started as something small, bearing a resemblance to the truth, which is why those who entered into it were misled, and then were unable to leave it. So it grew and it became the religion which, they followed, so they deviated from the Straight Path and thus left Islaam". [Sharah As Sunnah No. 7 (Arabic No.5), Tabqaat Hanbaliya (1/179) and authenticated by Albani in Hujjat Nabi (1/103) and Manasik Hajj wa Umrah (1/43) Tabqaat Hanbaliya (1/179)]
Imaam al-Barbahaari (d.329H) said, "May Allah have mercy upon you! Examine carefully the speech of everyone you hear from, in your time particularly. So do not act in haste, nor enter into anything from it, until you ask and see: Did any of the Companions of the Prophet PBUH speak about it, or any of the (early) Scholars? So if you find a narration from them about it, cling to it and do not go beyond it for anything, nor give precedence to anything over it and thus fall into the Fire.’’ [Sharah As Sunnah No. 8 (Arabic No.5), Tabqaat Hanbaliya (1/179) and authenticated by Albani in Hujjat Nabi (1/103) and Manasik Hajj wa Umrah (1/43) Tabqaat Hanbaliya (1/179)]
Ibn Qayyim said, "Righteous actions are only according to righteous intentions, and a good intention does not make something which is futile correct. This is because intentions alone cannot make an action correct, but rather complying with the Sharee’ah (Prescribed Laws) must be added to that". [Madaarijus-Saalikeen (1/85) of Ibn al-Qayyim ]
Compiled by: Parvez Shakir and Syed Mohammad Asif.