Written by: Hafiz Farhan Ilahi
Historically, Abdullah ibn Saba', a Jew, is recognized as the pioneer of these conspiracies. He excessively exaggerated in the status of Sayyiduna Ali رضي الله عنه and divided the Muslim Ummah into two opposing groups — one becoming Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jama'ah and the other known as the Rafidah (Shia sect).
Later, with the emergence of sects like the Khawarij, Mu'tazilah, Qadariyyah, and others, these deviant groups collectively came to be known as People of Innovation (Ahl al-Bid'ah).
Sensing the danger of this division, the righteous predecessors (Salaf al-Salih) strongly emphasized avoiding the innovators, forbidding close association, friendships, and even mere companionship with them. They warned against conveying Hadiths or religious knowledge to such individuals.
Refer to: Sunan al-Darimi: 412, Al-Shari'ah by Al-Ajurri: 963, Hadith 2046, 2047
In this brief article, we aim, by the will of Allah, to clarify the statements and conduct of the early scholars concerning the treatment of the innovators and the guidance they imparted to the Ummah.
"And it has already been revealed to you in the Book that when you hear the verses of Allah being denied and mocked, do not sit with them until they engage in another conversation; otherwise, you would surely be like them. Surely, Allah will gather the hypocrites and disbelievers in Hell altogether."
(Surah Al-Nisa: 140)
❖ Imam Al-Qurtubi explains:
"This verse forbids participating in the gatherings of innovators, and sitting with them is considered being among them. Those who oppose this command are warned of a terrible outcome — that they will be counted among the innovators."
(Tafsir al-Qurtubi: 7/142)
He further clarifies:
"If distancing from sinners is commanded, then distancing from innovators and proponents of false practices is even more imperative."
(Tafsir al-Qurtubi: 7/142)
❖ Imam Ibn Jarir al-Tabari states:
"This verse clearly prohibits sitting with all types of people engaged in falsehood, whether they are innovators or other sinners, while they are engrossed in their falsehood."
(Tafsir al-Tabari: 4/221)
Allah also commands:
"And do not incline toward those who do wrong, lest the Fire touch you, and you have no protectors besides Allah, then you will not be helped."
(Surah Hud: 113)
Imam Al-Qurtubi writes:
"This verse commands separation from the people of disbelief, sin, and innovation. Associating with them out of love itself becomes an act of disbelief and disobedience. If necessary, such companionship is only allowed under dire circumstances."
(Tafsir al-Qurtubi: 9/108)
Other Quranic references advocating separation from innovators include:
"The area between Mount 'Ayr and Mount Thawr in Madinah is a sanctuary. Whoever introduces an innovation therein or shelters an innovator, upon him is the curse of Allah, the angels, and all mankind. Neither obligatory nor voluntary deeds will be accepted from him."
(Sahih al-Bukhari: 6755, Sahih Muslim: 1370)
This Hadith highlights the seriousness of introducing or supporting innovation, particularly in the blessed city of Madinah.
The Prophet ﷺ further stated:
"Whoever honors an innovator has helped in demolishing Islam."
(Al-Shari'ah by Al-Ajurri: 962, Hadith 2040 — Chain Hasan)
"Approaching and honoring an innovator due to his innovation is, in itself, a form of honoring the innovation, whereas Shari'ah commands us to humiliate and rebuke the innovator."
(Al-I'tisam: 1/151)
He also adds:
"In every case, innovation flourishes, Sunnah dies, and this directly leads to the collapse of Islam."
(Al-I'tisam: 1/151)
❖ Imam Yahya ibn Abi Kathir رحمه الله said:
"If you meet an innovator on the road, take another path."
(Al-Shari'ah by Al-Ajurri: 962, Hadith 2042; Kitab al-Bid'ah by Ibn Waddah: 93 — Chain Hasan)
❖ Imam Al-Fudayl ibn 'Iyad رحمه الله said:
"Indeed, Allah has angels who search for gatherings of remembrance. See who you sit with; do not sit with innovators because Allah does not look at them. A sign of hypocrisy is that a man stands and sits with an innovator."
(Al-Tuyuriyyat by Abu Tahir al-Salafi: 2/318, Hadith 258 — Chain Hasan; Hilyat al-Awliya: Authentic chain)
Thus, the stance of Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jama'ah is clear:
Separation from innovators, rejection of their gatherings, and protection of the purity of Islam by adhering strictly to the authentic Sunnah.
Introduction
From its inception, Islam faced enemies who were determined to leave no stone unturned in opposing it. Initially, when they found Muslims undefeatable on the battlefield, they turned to deception and conspiracy, weaving new plots to destroy the Muslim community from within. Thus, the seeds of division were sown, and the unified faith began to fragment.Historically, Abdullah ibn Saba', a Jew, is recognized as the pioneer of these conspiracies. He excessively exaggerated in the status of Sayyiduna Ali رضي الله عنه and divided the Muslim Ummah into two opposing groups — one becoming Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jama'ah and the other known as the Rafidah (Shia sect).
Later, with the emergence of sects like the Khawarij, Mu'tazilah, Qadariyyah, and others, these deviant groups collectively came to be known as People of Innovation (Ahl al-Bid'ah).
Sensing the danger of this division, the righteous predecessors (Salaf al-Salih) strongly emphasized avoiding the innovators, forbidding close association, friendships, and even mere companionship with them. They warned against conveying Hadiths or religious knowledge to such individuals.
Refer to: Sunan al-Darimi: 412, Al-Shari'ah by Al-Ajurri: 963, Hadith 2046, 2047
In this brief article, we aim, by the will of Allah, to clarify the statements and conduct of the early scholars concerning the treatment of the innovators and the guidance they imparted to the Ummah.
Separation from Innovators: In Light of Qur'an and Sunnah
Allah says:"And it has already been revealed to you in the Book that when you hear the verses of Allah being denied and mocked, do not sit with them until they engage in another conversation; otherwise, you would surely be like them. Surely, Allah will gather the hypocrites and disbelievers in Hell altogether."
(Surah Al-Nisa: 140)
❖ Imam Al-Qurtubi explains:
"This verse forbids participating in the gatherings of innovators, and sitting with them is considered being among them. Those who oppose this command are warned of a terrible outcome — that they will be counted among the innovators."
(Tafsir al-Qurtubi: 7/142)
He further clarifies:
"If distancing from sinners is commanded, then distancing from innovators and proponents of false practices is even more imperative."
(Tafsir al-Qurtubi: 7/142)
❖ Imam Ibn Jarir al-Tabari states:
"This verse clearly prohibits sitting with all types of people engaged in falsehood, whether they are innovators or other sinners, while they are engrossed in their falsehood."
(Tafsir al-Tabari: 4/221)
Allah also commands:
"And do not incline toward those who do wrong, lest the Fire touch you, and you have no protectors besides Allah, then you will not be helped."
(Surah Hud: 113)
Imam Al-Qurtubi writes:
"This verse commands separation from the people of disbelief, sin, and innovation. Associating with them out of love itself becomes an act of disbelief and disobedience. If necessary, such companionship is only allowed under dire circumstances."
(Tafsir al-Qurtubi: 9/108)
Other Quranic references advocating separation from innovators include:
- Surah Al-An'am: 68
- Surah Al-Kahf: 103–104
- Surah Al-Mujadilah: 22
Separation from Innovators in the Hadith
❖ Sayyiduna Ali رضي الله عنه narrated that the Prophet ﷺ said:"The area between Mount 'Ayr and Mount Thawr in Madinah is a sanctuary. Whoever introduces an innovation therein or shelters an innovator, upon him is the curse of Allah, the angels, and all mankind. Neither obligatory nor voluntary deeds will be accepted from him."
(Sahih al-Bukhari: 6755, Sahih Muslim: 1370)
This Hadith highlights the seriousness of introducing or supporting innovation, particularly in the blessed city of Madinah.
The Prophet ﷺ further stated:
"Whoever honors an innovator has helped in demolishing Islam."
(Al-Shari'ah by Al-Ajurri: 962, Hadith 2040 — Chain Hasan)
Statements of Scholars
❖ Imam Al-Shatibi رحمه الله writes:"Approaching and honoring an innovator due to his innovation is, in itself, a form of honoring the innovation, whereas Shari'ah commands us to humiliate and rebuke the innovator."
(Al-I'tisam: 1/151)
He also adds:
"In every case, innovation flourishes, Sunnah dies, and this directly leads to the collapse of Islam."
(Al-I'tisam: 1/151)
Stance of the Righteous Predecessors (Salaf al-Salih)
The leading scholars firmly instructed to avoid innovators and even forbade giving them any attention.❖ Imam Yahya ibn Abi Kathir رحمه الله said:
"If you meet an innovator on the road, take another path."
(Al-Shari'ah by Al-Ajurri: 962, Hadith 2042; Kitab al-Bid'ah by Ibn Waddah: 93 — Chain Hasan)
❖ Imam Al-Fudayl ibn 'Iyad رحمه الله said:
"Indeed, Allah has angels who search for gatherings of remembrance. See who you sit with; do not sit with innovators because Allah does not look at them. A sign of hypocrisy is that a man stands and sits with an innovator."
(Al-Tuyuriyyat by Abu Tahir al-Salafi: 2/318, Hadith 258 — Chain Hasan; Hilyat al-Awliya: Authentic chain)
Conclusion
The early scholars and pious predecessors strongly condemned innovations and warned the Ummah to keep a safe distance from innovators. Close companionship, supporting, or honoring such individuals risks corrupting one's faith and aiding the destruction of Islam itself.Thus, the stance of Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jama'ah is clear:
Separation from innovators, rejection of their gatherings, and protection of the purity of Islam by adhering strictly to the authentic Sunnah.
