❖ Introduction
This article is derived from the book Deen-e-Islam aur Bid’ah by esteemed scholar Abu Hamzah Abdul Khaliq Siddiqi. It offers a comprehensive exploration of the concept of Bid’ah (Innovation) in Islam, drawing upon the Qur’an, Hadith, statements of the Companions, and scholarly consensus across generations.
❖ Linguistic Definition of Bid’ah
◈ Al-Firuzabadi defines Bid’ah as an innovation in religion after its completion, or anything newly introduced following the Prophet ﷺ driven by desires or actions.
◈ Al-Razi concurs: “Bid’ah is introducing something new in religion after its perfection.”
Abu Ishaq Al-Shatibi explains:
The root word “Bada’” means to create something without any precedent, as in the verse:
﴿بَدِیْعُ السَّمٰوٰتِ وَ الْاَرْضِؕ﴾
— “The Originator of the heavens and the earth without any precedent.”
❖ Technical Definition of Bid’ah
Ibn Kathir states that the phrase ﴿بَدِیْعُ السَّمٰوٰتِ وَ الْاَرْضِؕ﴾ implies creation without prior example—this is its literal and technical implication. He distinguishes between:
① Shar’i Bid’ah – An innovation in religion considered misguidance, as the Prophet ﷺ said:
“Every new matter is a Bid’ah, and every Bid’ah is misguidance.”
② Lughawi Bid’ah (Linguistic) – Like Umar ibn Khattab’s (RA) statement about Taraweeh: “What a good Bid’ah this is.”
Ibn Rajab clarifies:
“Bid’ah refers to anything without a basis in Shari’ah. If it has a Shari’ah origin, it is not Shar’i Bid’ah, even if linguistically it is.”
❖ Condemnation of Bid’ah in the Qur’an
① Surah Al-Baqarah (2:79) condemns those who forge texts and claim divine authority.
② Surah Al-An’am (6:153) instructs to follow the straight path and not diverge into sects.
Ibn Kathir comments:
Truth is one path (Sabeel), while misguidances are many (Subul).
③ Surah Al-Ahzab (33:36) — A believer has no choice when Allah and His Messenger command.
④ Surah Al-Shura (42:21) — Those who legislate innovations in religion without Allah’s permission are threatened with a painful punishment.
❖ Condemnation of Bid’ah in Hadith
① The Prophet ﷺ warned:
“When I narrate to you something, do not add anything to it.”
— Musnad Ahmad
② When correcting a phrase in a nightly supplication, the Prophet ﷺ emphasized precise adherence.
— Sahih Bukhari
③ The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Beware of newly introduced matters, for every Bid’ah is misguidance.”
— Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Abu Dawood, Ibn Majah
④ A’ishah (RA) narrated:
“Whoever introduces something into this religion that is not from it, it is rejected.”
— Sahih Bukhari and Muslim
⑤ The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Allah curses the one who innovates in Islam.”
— Musnad al-Rabi’
⑥ Hadith:
“Whoever innovates or shelters an innovator, upon him is Allah’s curse.”
— Musnad Ahmad
⑦ Prophetic Warning:
“Every Bid’ah is misguidance.”
— Sahih Muslim
⑧ Hadith:
“If a person’s zeal diverts him to non-Sunnah ways, he is ruined.”
— Musnad Ahmad
⑨ Anas (RA):
“Anyone who innovates in Madinah or shelters an innovator is cursed.”
— Sahih Bukhari and Muslim
⑩ Repentance of an innovator is not accepted until he abandons the innovation.
— Al-Tabarani, Majma al-Zawaid
❖ Companions’ Stance on Bid’ah
① Abu Bakr (RA):
“I follow the Sunnah, not Bid’ah.”
— Tabaqat Ibn Sa’d
② Umar (RA):
“Beware of innovators; they are enemies of the Sunnah.”
— Sunan al-Darimi
③ Ali (RA):
Cursed anyone who protects an innovator.
— Sahih Muslim, Musnad Ahmad
④ A’ishah (RA):
Reiterated that any innovation not from the religion is rejected.
— Sahih Bukhari and Muslim
⑤ Ibn Mas’ud (RA):
“Follow and do not innovate, for you have been sufficed.”
— Sunan al-Darimi
⑥ Ibn Abbas (RA):
Predicted that people would innovate every year, killing off Sunnah.
— Al-Mu’jam al-Kabir
❖ Tabi’un and Later Scholars on Bid’ah
① Umar ibn Abdul Aziz (RA):
“If I cannot uphold Sunnah and end Bid’ah, life has no meaning for me.”
— Al-Sunnah by Al-Marwazi
② Hasan ibn Atiyyah (RA):
“No innovation is introduced but a Sunnah is removed.”
— Sunan al-Darimi
③ Abu Qilabah:
“Do not associate with innovators lest they mislead you.”
— Sunan al-Darimi
④ Sufyan al-Thawri:
“Bid’ah is more beloved to Satan than sin, for sin can be repented from.”
— Manhaj al-Salaf al-Salihin
⑤ Imam Ahmad:
Outlines Sunnah principles: abandon Bid’ah, avoid debates, and follow prophetic traditions.
— Usul al-Sunnah
⑥ Imam Malik:
“Anyone who thinks an innovation is good accuses the Prophet ﷺ of betrayal.”
— Al-I’tisam
❖ Conclusion
The Islamic tradition is rich with warnings against Bid’ah. From Qur’anic guidance to the Prophet’s ﷺ statements, and the practices of the Salaf, the message is clear: every innovation in the religion is a misguidance, regardless of its perceived beauty. True success lies in adhering strictly to the Sunnah and rejecting all forms of religious innovations.
