Refutation of “Bidʿah Ḥasanah” through the Example of Ibn ʿUmar (RA)
Compiled by: Toheed.com
❖ Introduction
Islam is a complete religion in which the principles of faith, worship, and character have been fully explained by the Messenger of Allah ﷺ. Adding to, or altering, the religion is a rejected act, even if it appears outwardly as a good deed. The Companions (RA) demonstrated this reality through their actions. A narration from Sunan al-Tirmidhī serves as an important evidence in this matter.
❖ Ḥadīth Evidence
Narration:
Ḥaḍrat Nāfiʿ (RA) reports:
A man sneezed beside ʿAbdullāh ibn ʿUmar (RA) and said:
“Al-ḥamdu lillāh wa al-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh.”
Ibn ʿUmar (RA) replied:
“I too can say: al-ḥamdu lillāh wa al-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh, but this is not how the Messenger of Allah ﷺ taught us. He instructed us to say:
‘Al-ḥamdu lillāhi ʿalā kulli ḥāl.’”
(Sunan al-Tirmidhī: 2738, graded Ḥasan by al-Albānī)
❖ Explanation
- Sending salāh upon the Prophet ﷺ is generally a virtuous and rewarding act.
- However, here it was attached to a specific occasion (after sneezing) where the Prophet ﷺ had already prescribed specific words.
- Ibn ʿUmar (RA) clarified that in religious matters, self-made additions are not acceptable, even if the addition itself seems good.
- This demonstrates that the prescribed adhkār and acts of worship must not be altered or expanded by personal choice.
❖ Refutation of “Bidʿah Ḥasanah”
- According to the principle of some groups (e.g., Barelvis), adding seemingly good words or acts to worship counts as bidʿah ḥasanah.
- If this principle were valid, Ibn ʿUmar (RA) would not have objected to the man’s words, since sending blessings on the Prophet ﷺ is undeniably good.
- But the Companion explicitly rejected the addition, proving that even apparently good innovations are bidʿah and must be abandoned.
❖ Key Lessons
✿ Islam is complete; no innovation is needed.
✿ One must stick to the exact words and methods prescribed in Sunnah.
✿ Additions that appear pious are also bidʿah, and the Companions (RA) rejected them.
✿ The concept of “bidʿah ḥasanah” contradicts the Sunnah and the practice of the Companions.
هذا ما عندي والله أعلم بالصواب
