Compiled by: Abu al-Muzaffar Abdul Hakim Abdul Mabood al-Madani (Hafizahullah)
➊ Creating something without any prior example. This is reflected in the verse:
بديع السموات والارض
“Allah is the Originator of the heavens and the earth without any precedent.”
[Al-Baqarah: 117]
In another verse, it is said:
قل ماكنت بدعا من الرسل
“Say: I am not a new thing among the Messengers.”
[Al-Ahqaf: 91]
And similarly:
و رهبانية ابتدعوها ما كتبناها عليهم
“And monasticism, which they invented; We did not prescribe it for them.” [Al-Hadid: 27]
➋ Fatigue and exhaustion. In Arabic, it is said اببدعت الراحلة, which means that the camel sat down out of fatigue, though it had not sat before. [Lisan al-Arab: 351/9, Maqayees al-Lugha: 209/1]
البدعة اذن طريقة فى الدين مخترعة تضاهي الشريعة يقصد بالسلوك عليها المبالغة فى التعبد لله سبحانه
“Bid’ah is a path that has been innovated in the religion, contrary to the Shari'ah, pursued with the intent of exaggerated worship of Allah (SWT).” [Al-I'tisam by Shatibi 1:36-37]
➊ Monasticism is a form of bid’ah for which Allah has given no command:
رهبانية ابتدعوها ما كتبناها عليهم
“And monasticism, which they innovated; We did not prescribe it for them.”
➋ Avoiding bid’ah is essential as it leads to misguidance. The Hadith of Irbad ibn Sariyah narrates that the Prophet (PBUH) said:
واياكم ومحدثات الأمور فان كل محدثة بدعة
“Beware of newly invented matters, for every newly invented matter is a bid’ah.” [Abu Dawood 4607, Tirmidhi 2297]
In another narration from Jabir ibn Abdullah:
وشر الأمور محدثاتها وكل محدثة بدعة
“The worst of matters are the newly invented ones, and every new invention (in religion) is a bid’ah.” [Muslim 2:53, An-Nawawi]
One narration further states:
وكل ضلالة فى النار
“And every misguidance is in the Fire.” This includes every bid’ah without exception, even so-called “good” bid’ahs. [An-Nasa'i 3:80, with an authentic chain]
Allama Shatibi emphasizes that the term كل (every), as understood by scholars, encompasses all forms of bid’ah without exception; no innovation is truly “good.”
Every form of bid’ah is rejected and unacceptable. The Prophet (PBUH) said:
من أحدث فى أمرنا هذا ماليس منه فهو رد
“Whoever introduces something into this matter of ours that is not part of it, it will be rejected.” [Muslim]
In another narration:
من صنع أمرا على غير أمرنا فهورد
“Whoever does a deed not in accordance with our command, it will be rejected.” [Abu Dawood]
➍ Violation of Sunnah and adherence to bid’ah is destructive. The Prophet (PBUH) said:
لكل عمل شرة ولكل شرة فترة فمن كانت فترته الى سنتي فقد اهتدى ومن كانت فترته الى غير ذلك هلك
“Every action has a period of zeal, and every zeal has a decline. Whoever’s decline is toward my Sunnah is rightly guided, and whoever’s is toward anything else will be ruined.” [Sahih al-Targheeb 52, with a sound chain; also in Musnad Ahmad 2:188]
➎ A person involved in bid’ah is cursed, and his repentance is not accepted. The Prophet (PBUH) said:
ان الله صحبا التوبة عن كل صاحب بدعة حتى يدع بدعته
“Indeed, Allah has withheld repentance from every innovator until he abandons his innovation.” [Sahih al-Targheeb 54]
Sayings of the Companions on Bid’ah:
انه بلغنی انك تكلمت فى شئی من القدر فاياك ان تكتب الى
“I have heard that you have engaged in discourse about Qadar (divine decree), so beware; do not write to me again.” [Abu Dawood 4613]
In another narration from Ibn Majah, it is mentioned that when this man sent a greeting, Abdullah bin Umar (RA) replied:
بلغني انه قد احدث فلا تقرئه مني السلام
“I have been informed that he has embraced an innovation, so do not convey my greeting to him.” [Sunan Abu Dawood 4613, Sunan Ibn Majah 4041]
“This is an innovation (bid’ah).”
Hafiz Ibn Hajar comments:
قال عياض وغيره
Qadi Iyad and others state that Abdullah bin Umar (RA) disapproved of performing it in a congregational setting in the mosque, as it went against the Sunnah. [Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Umrah, 1775; Sahih Muslim, Book of Hajj, 3037]
“Follow (the Sunnah) and avoid innovations, for you have been sufficed; every innovation is misguidance.” [Sunan al-Darimi 1/169]
➋ Acquire Knowledge and Shun Extremism and Innovations:
“Acquire knowledge before it is taken away, which means the departure of scholars. Beware of extremism, delving, and innovations, and adhere to the traditional (path).” [Sunan al-Darimi 1/54]
➌ Moderation in Following the Sunnah is Superior to Striving in Innovations:
“Moderation in the Sunnah is better than striving in innovations.” [Sahih al-Targheeb 41]
➍ Rebuke of Innovators is Necessary:
When Amr bin Zurarah was narrating stories, Abdullah bin Mas’ud (RA) rebuked him, saying:
“O Amr! You have embraced a misguidance or you think yourself more guided than Muhammad (PBUH) and his Companions.” [Sahih al-Targheeb 1/132]
➎ Condemnation of Dhikr Gatherings Using Pebbles:
Amr bin Salamah al-Hamdani narrates that Abu Musa Ash'ari (RA) informed Abdullah bin Mas'ud (RA) about people engaging in dhikr using pebbles. Ibn Mas’ud rebuked them, saying:
“Count your sins, for I assure you that none of your good deeds will be lost. How quickly you have deviated, O Ummah of Muhammad! His Companions are still present.” [Sunan al-Darimi 1/68-69]
“What will be your state when you are overtaken by a fitnah that the old perceive as tradition, and if altered slightly, people say, ‘The Sunnah has been changed’?” [Sunan al-Darimi 1/14]
Hudhayfah (RA) explained the danger of bid’ah overtaking Sunnah, saying:
“By the One in Whose Hand is my soul, innovations will become so widespread that only a faint glimmer of truth will remain.” [Al-I'tisam by Shatibi 1:60-80]
➋ Every Worship Not Practiced by the Companions is a Bid’ah:
Hudhayfah (RA) said:
“Do not engage in any act of worship that the Companions of the Prophet (PBUH) did not practice.” [Al-I'tisam by Shatibi 1:386]
“Beware of newly invented matters, for every new matter in religion is misguidance.” [Sunan Abu Dawood, Book of Sunnah]
“You should avoid the people of innovation and their ways. If you encounter an innovator, take another path.” [Al-Shari'ah by Al-Ajurri: 940]
Fudayl ibn Iyad (Rahimahullah):
“There should be a stronger barrier between you and an innovator than a wall of iron. If you see someone sitting with an innovator, avoid them. Whoever sits with an innovator will be deprived of wisdom.” [Al-Hilyah by Abu Nu'aym: 8/103]
Imam al-Awza’i (Rahimahullah):
“Do not engage in excessive debates with innovators, for this leads to doubts entering the heart.” [Al-Bida’ wal-Nahy ‘Anha by Al-Qurtubi: 52]
Sa'id al-Musayyib (Rahimahullah):
Sa'id ibn al-Musayyib once observed a man performing extra prayers with numerous bows and prostrations after Fajr. The man asked, “Will Allah punish me for praying?” Sa'id replied, “No, not for praying, but for opposing the Sunnah.” [Sunan al-Darimi 1/112, Sunan al-Bayhaqi 2/466]
Qatadah al-Sadusi (Rahimahullah):
“It is essential to warn people about innovation and innovators. When a person adopts an innovation, it should be exposed so others can avoid it.” [Al-Adab al-Shar’iyyah by Ibn Muflih: 1/210]
Said bin Jubayr (Rahimahullah):
“I would prefer my son to accompany a sinful non-innovator rather than a devout innovator.” [Al-Ibanah al-Sughra by Ibn Battah: 133]
Abdullah bin al-Mubarak (Rahimahullah):
“One of the signs of the Last Hour is that knowledge will be sought from the young,” which he interpreted to mean the people of innovation. Additionally, he said, “Sit with the poor but avoid innovators.” [Al-Zuhd by Ibn al-Mubarak: 281, Siyar A’lam al-Nubala: 8/368]
Abu Qilabah (Rahimahullah):
“Do not sit with innovators, nor engage in debates with them, as they may lead you astray or cause doubts to enter your heart.” [Sunan al-Darimi, Introduction]
Qadi Abu Ya’la (Rahimahullah):
“The consensus among the Companions and Tabi'un is to boycott and avoid the people of innovation.” [Hajr al-Mubtadi’: 32]
Hassan bin Atiyyah (Rahimahullah):
“Whenever a people adopt an innovation, Allah removes an equal portion of the Sunnah from their hearts.” [Sunan al-Darimi, Introduction, Chapter on Adhering to the Sunnah, 98]
Imam Ahmad (Rahimahullah):
“Following innovations leads to destruction. Whoever rejects the hadith of the Prophet (PBUH) has placed themselves at the brink of ruin.” He added, “Avoiding innovation is the path of Ahl al-Sunnah, following the example of the Companions of the Prophet.” [Tabaqat al-Hanabilah 2/15, Al-Ibanah 1/260]
Imam Malik (Rahimahullah):
“Anyone who creates an innovation and regards it as good has, in effect, claimed that Muhammad’s message was incomplete. That which was not part of the religion in the Prophet’s time cannot be part of it now.” [Al-I'tisam by Al-Shatibi 1/49]
Imam al-Shafi’i (Rahimahullah):
“The peculiarities and strange practices of innovators should not be accepted.” [Talbis Iblis by Ibn al-Jawzi 14]
Imam Aziz bin Abdul Salam (Rahimahullah):
“The destruction of innovations is a praiseworthy act, and the glad tidings belong to those responsible for eliminating them and reviving the Sunnah.” [Masajid ‘Ilmiyyah: 10]
Imam al-Baghawi (Rahimahullah):
“The boycott of innovators remains in effect until they repent.” He mentioned that the Prophet (PBUH) warned of divisions in the Ummah, making it necessary to separate from innovators until they abandon their innovation. [Sharh al-Sunnah by al-Baghawi 1/224-227]
These wise statements from the Companions, Tabi'un, and scholars reflect the necessity of adhering strictly to the Sunnah, preserving Islamic teachings, and avoiding innovations and innovators. This commitment protects the integrity of the faith and safeguards the Ummah from misguidance and confusion. May Allah enable the Ummah to remain steadfast upon the Sunnah and to distance itself from the paths of innovation.
Linguistic Meaning of Bid’ah (Innovation)
The word bid’ah in Arabic is derived from the roots ابدع، تبدع، بديع، مبدع، and مبتدع, and it holds two meanings in language:➊ Creating something without any prior example. This is reflected in the verse:
بديع السموات والارض
“Allah is the Originator of the heavens and the earth without any precedent.”
[Al-Baqarah: 117]
In another verse, it is said:
قل ماكنت بدعا من الرسل
“Say: I am not a new thing among the Messengers.”
[Al-Ahqaf: 91]
And similarly:
و رهبانية ابتدعوها ما كتبناها عليهم
“And monasticism, which they invented; We did not prescribe it for them.” [Al-Hadid: 27]
➋ Fatigue and exhaustion. In Arabic, it is said اببدعت الراحلة, which means that the camel sat down out of fatigue, though it had not sat before. [Lisan al-Arab: 351/9, Maqayees al-Lugha: 209/1]
Technical Definition of Bid’ah
Scholars have provided various definitions of bid’ah, with contributions from scholars like Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, Allama Suyuti, Allama Shatibi, and others. Among these, the most comprehensive definition is provided by Allama Shatibi (rahimahullah):البدعة اذن طريقة فى الدين مخترعة تضاهي الشريعة يقصد بالسلوك عليها المبالغة فى التعبد لله سبحانه
“Bid’ah is a path that has been innovated in the religion, contrary to the Shari'ah, pursued with the intent of exaggerated worship of Allah (SWT).” [Al-I'tisam by Shatibi 1:36-37]
Legal Status of Bid’ah in Islam
In light of the Quran, Hadith, and the sayings of the Companions and Imams, introducing, practicing, and promoting bid’ah is prohibited. Islam has commanded adherence to the way of the Prophet (PBUH) and warned against innovations. The summary is as follows:➊ Monasticism is a form of bid’ah for which Allah has given no command:
رهبانية ابتدعوها ما كتبناها عليهم
“And monasticism, which they innovated; We did not prescribe it for them.”
➋ Avoiding bid’ah is essential as it leads to misguidance. The Hadith of Irbad ibn Sariyah narrates that the Prophet (PBUH) said:
واياكم ومحدثات الأمور فان كل محدثة بدعة
“Beware of newly invented matters, for every newly invented matter is a bid’ah.” [Abu Dawood 4607, Tirmidhi 2297]
In another narration from Jabir ibn Abdullah:
وشر الأمور محدثاتها وكل محدثة بدعة
“The worst of matters are the newly invented ones, and every new invention (in religion) is a bid’ah.” [Muslim 2:53, An-Nawawi]
One narration further states:
وكل ضلالة فى النار
“And every misguidance is in the Fire.” This includes every bid’ah without exception, even so-called “good” bid’ahs. [An-Nasa'i 3:80, with an authentic chain]
Allama Shatibi emphasizes that the term كل (every), as understood by scholars, encompasses all forms of bid’ah without exception; no innovation is truly “good.”
Every form of bid’ah is rejected and unacceptable. The Prophet (PBUH) said:
من أحدث فى أمرنا هذا ماليس منه فهو رد
“Whoever introduces something into this matter of ours that is not part of it, it will be rejected.” [Muslim]
In another narration:
من صنع أمرا على غير أمرنا فهورد
“Whoever does a deed not in accordance with our command, it will be rejected.” [Abu Dawood]
➍ Violation of Sunnah and adherence to bid’ah is destructive. The Prophet (PBUH) said:
لكل عمل شرة ولكل شرة فترة فمن كانت فترته الى سنتي فقد اهتدى ومن كانت فترته الى غير ذلك هلك
“Every action has a period of zeal, and every zeal has a decline. Whoever’s decline is toward my Sunnah is rightly guided, and whoever’s is toward anything else will be ruined.” [Sahih al-Targheeb 52, with a sound chain; also in Musnad Ahmad 2:188]
➎ A person involved in bid’ah is cursed, and his repentance is not accepted. The Prophet (PBUH) said:
ان الله صحبا التوبة عن كل صاحب بدعة حتى يدع بدعته
“Indeed, Allah has withheld repentance from every innovator until he abandons his innovation.” [Sahih al-Targheeb 54]
Stance of the Companions on the Refutation and Condemnation of Bid’ah
It is widely known that the Companions devoted their lives to following the Sunnah and kept a significant distance from bid’ah. They were firm in rejecting it and set exemplary standards. Below are some quotes from the Companions, illustrating their stance on innovations and non-Shari'ah practices:Sayings of the Companions on Bid’ah:
- Sayyidina Abu Bakr as-Siddiq (RA): Following the Sunnah is obligatory, and adhering to bid’ah is deviation. After becoming Caliph, he stated, “I am just one among you. Perhaps you expect me to bear the responsibilities that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) held. Allah saved him from calamities and chose him for the people. O people! I am a follower and not an innovator. If I do well, assist me, but if I go astray, correct me.” [At-Tabqat al-Kubra by Ibn Sa’d 3:183]
- Sayyidina Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA): Repentance of innovators and followers of whims is not accepted, and the Companions disassociated themselves from them. He said, “Every sinner’s repentance will be accepted except those with desires and innovations; I am free from them, and they are free from me.” [As-Sunnah by Ibn Abi Asim, Hadith 22, 38]
- Sayyidina Abdullah ibn Abbas (RA): Following is essential, and innovation is forbidden. He advised: “Have taqwa of Allah, adhere to the religion, follow (the Sunnah), and do not innovate.” [Sunan al-Darimi, Introduction, 1:50]
Breaking Ties with Innovators (Bid’ah Practitioners)
Nafi’ narrates that a friend of Abdullah bin Umar (RA) used to correspond with him from Syria. Abdullah bin Umar (RA) sent him a letter stating:انه بلغنی انك تكلمت فى شئی من القدر فاياك ان تكتب الى
“I have heard that you have engaged in discourse about Qadar (divine decree), so beware; do not write to me again.” [Abu Dawood 4613]
In another narration from Ibn Majah, it is mentioned that when this man sent a greeting, Abdullah bin Umar (RA) replied:
بلغني انه قد احدث فلا تقرئه مني السلام
“I have been informed that he has embraced an innovation, so do not convey my greeting to him.” [Sunan Abu Dawood 4613, Sunan Ibn Majah 4041]
Congregational Prayer of Duha (Forenoon Prayer) in the Mosque
Imam Mujahid reports that he and Urwah bin Zubayr entered the mosque where Abdullah bin Umar (RA) was sitting near Aisha (RA)’s quarters, and people were praying the Duha prayer. They asked him about this prayer, and he replied:“This is an innovation (bid’ah).”
Hafiz Ibn Hajar comments:
قال عياض وغيره
Qadi Iyad and others state that Abdullah bin Umar (RA) disapproved of performing it in a congregational setting in the mosque, as it went against the Sunnah. [Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Umrah, 1775; Sahih Muslim, Book of Hajj, 3037]
Sayings of Abdullah bin Mas’ud (RA)
➊ Follow and Avoid Innovations:“Follow (the Sunnah) and avoid innovations, for you have been sufficed; every innovation is misguidance.” [Sunan al-Darimi 1/169]
➋ Acquire Knowledge and Shun Extremism and Innovations:
“Acquire knowledge before it is taken away, which means the departure of scholars. Beware of extremism, delving, and innovations, and adhere to the traditional (path).” [Sunan al-Darimi 1/54]
➌ Moderation in Following the Sunnah is Superior to Striving in Innovations:
“Moderation in the Sunnah is better than striving in innovations.” [Sahih al-Targheeb 41]
➍ Rebuke of Innovators is Necessary:
When Amr bin Zurarah was narrating stories, Abdullah bin Mas’ud (RA) rebuked him, saying:
“O Amr! You have embraced a misguidance or you think yourself more guided than Muhammad (PBUH) and his Companions.” [Sahih al-Targheeb 1/132]
➎ Condemnation of Dhikr Gatherings Using Pebbles:
Amr bin Salamah al-Hamdani narrates that Abu Musa Ash'ari (RA) informed Abdullah bin Mas'ud (RA) about people engaging in dhikr using pebbles. Ibn Mas’ud rebuked them, saying:
“Count your sins, for I assure you that none of your good deeds will be lost. How quickly you have deviated, O Ummah of Muhammad! His Companions are still present.” [Sunan al-Darimi 1/68-69]
Warning Against Innovations as Sources of Fitnah (Trials)
Abdullah bin Mas’ud (RA) said:“What will be your state when you are overtaken by a fitnah that the old perceive as tradition, and if altered slightly, people say, ‘The Sunnah has been changed’?” [Sunan al-Darimi 1/14]
Sayings of Hudhayfah bin al-Yaman (RA)
➊ Prevalence of Bid’ah Will Obscure Sunnah:Hudhayfah (RA) explained the danger of bid’ah overtaking Sunnah, saying:
“By the One in Whose Hand is my soul, innovations will become so widespread that only a faint glimmer of truth will remain.” [Al-I'tisam by Shatibi 1:60-80]
➋ Every Worship Not Practiced by the Companions is a Bid’ah:
Hudhayfah (RA) said:
“Do not engage in any act of worship that the Companions of the Prophet (PBUH) did not practice.” [Al-I'tisam by Shatibi 1:386]
Sayings of Mu’adh bin Jabal (RA)
Mu’adh bin Jabal (RA) warned:“Beware of newly invented matters, for every new matter in religion is misguidance.” [Sunan Abu Dawood, Book of Sunnah]
The Views of the Tabi'un and the Salaf on Bid’ah
Countless statements by the Tabi'un and the pious predecessors highlight the importance of avoiding bid’ah and maintaining distance from innovators. Here are a few prominent examples:- Umar bin Abdul Aziz (RA):
- Imam Muhammad bin Sirin (RA):
- Imam Sufyan al-Thawri (RA):
He stated that innovations are dearer to Iblis than sins because repentance is possible from sins, but not from bid’ah. [Sharh I'tiqad Ahl al-Sunnah by Lalaka'i] - Muhammad bin Aslam (RA):
Sayings of the Scholars on Avoiding Innovators (Ahl al-Bid’ah)
Yahya bin Kathir (Rahimahullah):“You should avoid the people of innovation and their ways. If you encounter an innovator, take another path.” [Al-Shari'ah by Al-Ajurri: 940]
Fudayl ibn Iyad (Rahimahullah):
“There should be a stronger barrier between you and an innovator than a wall of iron. If you see someone sitting with an innovator, avoid them. Whoever sits with an innovator will be deprived of wisdom.” [Al-Hilyah by Abu Nu'aym: 8/103]
Imam al-Awza’i (Rahimahullah):
“Do not engage in excessive debates with innovators, for this leads to doubts entering the heart.” [Al-Bida’ wal-Nahy ‘Anha by Al-Qurtubi: 52]
Sa'id al-Musayyib (Rahimahullah):
Sa'id ibn al-Musayyib once observed a man performing extra prayers with numerous bows and prostrations after Fajr. The man asked, “Will Allah punish me for praying?” Sa'id replied, “No, not for praying, but for opposing the Sunnah.” [Sunan al-Darimi 1/112, Sunan al-Bayhaqi 2/466]
Qatadah al-Sadusi (Rahimahullah):
“It is essential to warn people about innovation and innovators. When a person adopts an innovation, it should be exposed so others can avoid it.” [Al-Adab al-Shar’iyyah by Ibn Muflih: 1/210]
Said bin Jubayr (Rahimahullah):
“I would prefer my son to accompany a sinful non-innovator rather than a devout innovator.” [Al-Ibanah al-Sughra by Ibn Battah: 133]
Abdullah bin al-Mubarak (Rahimahullah):
“One of the signs of the Last Hour is that knowledge will be sought from the young,” which he interpreted to mean the people of innovation. Additionally, he said, “Sit with the poor but avoid innovators.” [Al-Zuhd by Ibn al-Mubarak: 281, Siyar A’lam al-Nubala: 8/368]
Abu Qilabah (Rahimahullah):
“Do not sit with innovators, nor engage in debates with them, as they may lead you astray or cause doubts to enter your heart.” [Sunan al-Darimi, Introduction]
Qadi Abu Ya’la (Rahimahullah):
“The consensus among the Companions and Tabi'un is to boycott and avoid the people of innovation.” [Hajr al-Mubtadi’: 32]
Hassan bin Atiyyah (Rahimahullah):
“Whenever a people adopt an innovation, Allah removes an equal portion of the Sunnah from their hearts.” [Sunan al-Darimi, Introduction, Chapter on Adhering to the Sunnah, 98]
Imam Ahmad (Rahimahullah):
“Following innovations leads to destruction. Whoever rejects the hadith of the Prophet (PBUH) has placed themselves at the brink of ruin.” He added, “Avoiding innovation is the path of Ahl al-Sunnah, following the example of the Companions of the Prophet.” [Tabaqat al-Hanabilah 2/15, Al-Ibanah 1/260]
Imam Malik (Rahimahullah):
“Anyone who creates an innovation and regards it as good has, in effect, claimed that Muhammad’s message was incomplete. That which was not part of the religion in the Prophet’s time cannot be part of it now.” [Al-I'tisam by Al-Shatibi 1/49]
Imam al-Shafi’i (Rahimahullah):
“The peculiarities and strange practices of innovators should not be accepted.” [Talbis Iblis by Ibn al-Jawzi 14]
Imam Aziz bin Abdul Salam (Rahimahullah):
“The destruction of innovations is a praiseworthy act, and the glad tidings belong to those responsible for eliminating them and reviving the Sunnah.” [Masajid ‘Ilmiyyah: 10]
Imam al-Baghawi (Rahimahullah):
“The boycott of innovators remains in effect until they repent.” He mentioned that the Prophet (PBUH) warned of divisions in the Ummah, making it necessary to separate from innovators until they abandon their innovation. [Sharh al-Sunnah by al-Baghawi 1/224-227]
These wise statements from the Companions, Tabi'un, and scholars reflect the necessity of adhering strictly to the Sunnah, preserving Islamic teachings, and avoiding innovations and innovators. This commitment protects the integrity of the faith and safeguards the Ummah from misguidance and confusion. May Allah enable the Ummah to remain steadfast upon the Sunnah and to distance itself from the paths of innovation.