Bid‘ah (Religious Innovation)

Bid‘ah (Religious Innovation)

Understanding its definition, ruling, and dangers in Islam

Introduction

Bid‘ah is one of the gravest dangers to Islam. The Prophet ﷺ warned against introducing anything new into religion. Islam is complete, so adding practices or beliefs is misguidance. True safety lies in following the Qur’an and Sunnah without additions.

Definition of Bid‘ah

Bid‘ah is any newly-invented matter in religion that was not taught by the Prophet ﷺ, his companions, or found in the Qur’an and Sunnah.

Types of Bid‘ah

Scholars explained that Bid‘ah appears in different forms, but all are misguidance.

Bid‘ah in Worship

Changing the way of worship, adding extra acts, or altering timing and manner.

“Whoever innovates in this matter of ours that which is not from it, it will be rejected.” Sahih al-Bukhari 2697

Bid‘ah in Beliefs

Introducing new beliefs or concepts that have no basis in Qur’an and Sunnah, such as denying Allah’s attributes or inventing false ideas about Him.

“The most evil of matters are newly-invented ones, and every innovation is misguidance.” Sunan al-Nasa’i 1578

Consequences of Bid‘ah

Bid‘ah divides the Ummah, corrupts worship, and leads people away from the Prophet’s Sunnah. Every Bid‘ah is rejected and leads to misguidance.

“Beware of newly-invented matters, for every newly-invented matter is a Bid‘ah, and every Bid‘ah is misguidance.” Sunan Abi Dawud 4607

The Correct Path

The solution to Bid‘ah is to follow the Qur’an and Sunnah exactly, as practiced by the early generations (the Salaf).

“And whatever the Messenger has given you take; and what he has forbidden you refrain from.” Qur’an 59:7

Addressing Misconceptions

• “Good innovations” claim: There is no such thing as “good” Bid‘ah in worship or belief; every Bid‘ah is misguidance.
• Worldly matters: Not everything new is Bid‘ah. Modern inventions in daily life (like technology) are permissible if not tied to worship.
• Cultural practices: Religion is based on revelation, not custom or preference. Acts of worship cannot be modified for culture.

References

Primary Sources

Qur’an

1. Al-Hashr 59:7: Follow the Messenger ﷺ strictly.

Hadith

2. Sahih al-Bukhari 2697: Rejected are actions not from Islam.
3. Sunan al-Nasa’i 1578: Every innovation is misguidance.
4. Sunan Abi Dawud 4607: Hold onto Sunnah, avoid new matters.