DEFINATION OF BID'AH - WHAT BID'AH

MEANS
Imaam al-Shatibee in his excellent work, al-I'tisaam, has provided the most
comprehensive, concise and definitive legislative definition of al-bid'ah (‫)البدعة‬
and the foundations would not be complete except by a discussion of it.

Imaam al-Shatibee said in al-I'tisaam (1/43):

‫ يُقصد بالسلوك عليها المبالغة في التعبد هلل تعالى‬،‫ طريقة في الدين مخترعة تضاهي الشرعيّة‬:‫فالبدعة إذن عبارة عن‬

[The word] innovation (al-bid'ah) then, is an expression of:

- A path taken in religion

- Which is invented
- And resembles the Shari'ah
- And by whose practice exaggeration in worshipping Allaah, the Exalted, is
intended.

Linguistically Bid'ah (innovation) means 'a newly invented matter'.

Imam Ash Shatibi also says "A newly invented way [beliefs or action] in the
religion, in imitation of the Sharee'ah (prescribed Law), by which nearness to
Allaah is sought, [but] not being supported by any authentic proof - neither
in its foundations, nor in the manner in which it is performed."

[Ref: Al-I'tisaam of ash-Shaatibee (1/37).]

Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali said:

‫شيء وهو أصل عظيم من أصول الدين وهو فقوله صلى هللا عليه وسلم كل بدعة ضاللة من جوامع الكلم ال يخرج عنه‬
‫أصل في أمرنا ما ليس منه فهو رد فكل من أحدث شيئا ونسبه إلى الدين ولم يكن له شبيه بقوله صلى هللا عليه وسلم من أحدث‬
‫االعتقادات أو األعمال أو األقوال الظاهرة والباطنة من الدين يرجع إليه فهو ضاللة والدين بريء منه وسواء في ذلك مسائل‬
‫قول عمر رضي هللا السلف من استحسان بعض البدع فإنما ذلك في البدع اللغوية ال الشرعية فمن ذلك وأما ما وقع في كالم‬
‫المسجد عنه لما جمع الناس في قيام رمضان على إمام واحد في‬

So his saying (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) that "every innovation is

misguidance" is from the comprehensive, concise words from which no
matter (of innovation) [introduced in the religion] escapes from, and it is a
mighty foundation from the foundations of the religion. It resembles his
saying (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam), "Whoever introduced into this affair of
ours that which does not belong to it will have it rejected." Hence,
everyone who introduced something and ascribed it to the religion
and it does not have any foundation in the religion to which it
returns back to, then it is misguidance and the religion is free of it,
irrespective of whether it is in the matters of belief, or actions or
outward and inward statements. As for what occurs in the speech of
some of the Salaf of considering some of the innovations to be good, then
that is with respect to innovations with the linguistic meaning, not the
Shariah meaning and from [the examples of that] is the saying of Umar
(radiallaahu anhu) when he gathered the people together for praying in
Ramadan behind a single imaam in the mosque. Jami' al-Ulum al-Hikam of
Ibn Rajab in explanation of the hadeeth of al-Irbaad bin Saariyah (2/128).

And Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani said:

‫والمراد بقوله كل بدعة ضاللة ما أحدث وال دليل له من الشرع بطريق خاص وال عام‬

And what is intended by his saying "Every innnovation is misguidance" is

whatever is newly-introduced and has no evidence in the Shariah in neither
a general way nor a specific way. Fath al-Bari (13/253).

And he also said:

‫ وليس له‬، ‫أصل في الشرع ويسمى في عرف الشرع " بدعة و " المحدثات " بفتح الدال جمع محدثة والمراد بها ما أحدث‬
‫ فالبدعة في عرف الشرع مذمومة بخالف اللغة فإن كل شيء أحدث على " وما كان له أصل يدل عليه الشرع‬، ‫فليس ببدعة‬
، ‫غير مثال يسمى بدعة سواء كان محمودا أو مذموما‬

And "the newly invented matters" (‫)المحدثات‬, with the fathah on the daal, is
the plural of novelty (‫ )محدثة‬and what is intended by it is what has been
newly-introduced and does not have any basis in the legislation. It is
referred to in the usage of the Shari'ah as innovation (‫)بدعة‬. As for what has
a basis indicated by the Shari'ah then it is not an innovation. For
"innovation" in the usage of the Shari'ah is blameworthy as opposed to its
usage (with its) linguistic (meaning), for everything that has been newly-
invented without any prior example is named "bid'ah" irrespective of
whether it is praiseworthy, or blameworthy.

[Ref: Fath al-Bari (13/253).]

There are many forms, types and explanation of Bid`ah. But for starters the
above shall suffice.

SOME WARNINGS FROM RASOOL (S.A.W)

The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w) said :

‫بدعة كل صاحب عن التوبة احتجز هللا إن‬

Indeed Allah does not accept the repentance of an innovator until he
stops the innovation

[Related by at-Tabraanee in al-Awsat (4360), and authenticated by Shaikh

Albaanee in As-Saheeha (1620); Also : Authenticated by Al-Mundhiree, (At-
Targheeb, 1/45), Ad-Diyaa’ (2054, 2055), Al-Haitamee (Az-Zawaajir,
Kabeerah 51: Tark-us-Sunnah), Al-Ghumaaree (Al-Mudaawee, 2/262-263),
Al-Albaanee (As-Saheehah, 4/154; Zilaal-ul-Jannah, 37; Saheeh-ut-
Targheeb, 54; Saheeh-ul-Jaami`, 1699; Al-Manaasik, p.44; Hajjat-un-
Nabee, p. 101), Al-Hilaalee (Al-Bid`ah, p.130; Al-I`tisaam, 1/162, 2/782),
Al-Halabee (`Ilm Usool-il-Bida`, p.33), Mashhoor Salmaan (Al-I`tisaam,
1/212, 112; Al-Mujaalasah, 6/398-399) and others.

Al-Haithamee said: “Its narrators are those of the Saheeh except for
Haaroon ibn Moosaa Al-Farawee who is reliable.” (Al-Majma`, 10/189).
`Abdul-Muhsin Al-`Abbaad (Al-Kutub war-Rasaa’il, 7/318-319) and others
also alluded to its authenticity. See also: Mu`jam-ul-Mudalliseen (p.168-
172).

To see the different chains of narration click here]

The prophet (s.a.w) said " Everyone will be with those whom he
loves."*

[Sahih al Bukhaari, Vol. 8, Book 73, Hadith 189]

* If you love the people of innovation , then you know what this hadeeth
means and indicates . Imam al Mundhari even has a chapter titled with this
hadeeth in his book, which will be mentioned below

The prophet (s.a.w) said: "Every servant of Allah possesses some

propensity/enthusiasm (shirra), and every propensity has its course
(fatra) - either to the Sunnah, or to innovation. If one's propensity is
for the Sunnah he has succeeded. If otherwise, he has perished".
[Ref: Narrated from `Abd Allah ibn `Amr by Ahmad with five
chains,Narrated by Ibn Hibbaan in his Saheeh (1/187); classed as saheeh by
al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Targheeb, 56]
Prophet (َ ‫َّللا ُ عَ َل ْي ِه َوسَ َّلم‬
َّ ‫ص َّلى‬
َ ) said:-

“Whosoever honors an innovator he helped in pulling down Islam.

(as-Shariyah of Aa’jree: 2040, Chain: Sahih - Taken from the work of Hafidh
Zubair Ali Zaee in his book Salah Behind an Extravagant (Ghalee) Innovator
Part - 1, translated by brother Moin Khan)

The Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu alaihi wasallam) said: "Every

innovation is misguidance and going astray"

Reported by Abu Daawood (no. 4607), at-Tirmidhee (no. 2676) and it is

saheeh. Ibn Hajr authenticated it Takhreej Ahaadeeth Ibn ul-Haajib (1/137).

And he (sallallaahu alaihi wasallam) also said: "… and every innovation is
misguidance and all misguidance is in the Hellfire."

[Reported by an-Nasaa'ee (1/224) from Jaabir bin Abdullaah and it is saheeh

as declared by Shaikh ul-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah in Majmoo' ul-Fataawaa
(3/58).]

ِ‫“ مَا أَحْدَثَ قَوْمٌ بِدْعَةً إِلَّا رُفِعَ مِثْلُهَا مِنَ السُّنَّة‬

The prophet (s.a.w) also said : "No people introduce a bid’ah but
something equivalent (amount) will be taken away from the
Sunnah"

[Musnad Ahmad (16626) this is also one of the sayings of Hassaan ibn
‘Atiyah (rh) reported in Al-Laalkaa'i in Sharh Usool I'tiqaad Ahl as-Sunnah
wal-Jamaa'ah ]

The Messenger (sallallaahu alaihi wasallam) also warned against the People
of Innovation, from befriending, supporting or taking from them saying:

"Whoever innovates or accommodates an innovator then upon him is

the curse of Allaah, His Angels and the whole of mankind."

[Reported by Bukhaaree (12/41) and Muslim (9/140) and also Abu dawood.
This hadeeth according to many scholars is meant for Makkah and
Madeenah]

Al-'Irbaad ibn Saariyah, , reports that the Prophet said, ".... I have left you
upon clear guidance. Its night is like its day. No one deviates from it
after me except that he is destroyed."

[Reported by Ahmad, Ibn Maajah (no. 43) and al-Haakim. It is declared

saheeh by Shaikh al-Albaanee in as-Saheehah (no. 937).]

ASK YOURSELF DO WE REALLLY

NEED TO INNOVATE OR INVENT?
LIKE REALLY?
We Muslims are to be firm in our Belief that :

1) Muhammad (s.a.w) is our teacher and we are COMMANDED (not

requested) to OBEY HIM

2) He is the best of those who is to be followed (e.g see Surah Ahzab

where allah says Indeed in Muhammad is a good example to be
followed)

We jump and dance when our Boss or normal folks compliment us but here
the Lord of the universe is complimenting Muhammad (s.a.w) so how on
earth in your SENSES would you leave his guidance and follow someone
else's example or guidance? Be it an Imam, a mc-donalds cashier, a Mullah,
a Baba, a Peer, an etc?

3) the Salaf used to say : " Whoever innovated something in Islam it

is as if he claimed Muhammad did not complete his duty of
conveying everything about Islam to us"

woahhh ! so now you understand the insult you are implying towards the
prophet (s.a.w) by following and indulging in an innovation??

It was narrated from Abu Dharr (may Allah be pleased with him) that the
Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “There
is nothing by means of which one may draw close to Paradise and
move far away from Hell but it has been explained to you.

[Narrated by at-Tabaraani in al-Kabeer (1647) and classed as saheeh by al-

Albaani in as-Saheehah, 1803]
The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihe wa-sallam) said: "There is
nothing that will take you closer to Paradise but that I have enjoined
it upon you, and there is nothing that will take you closer to Hell but
that I have warned you from it." [Musnad ash-Shafi'e and others]

The Messenger (sallallaahu-alaihi-wasallam) said as is recorded by Ibn

Khuzaimah in his Saheeh and by Imam Ahmad in his Musnad about the
perfection and comprehensiveness of his Guidance: "By Him in Whose
Hand is my soul. I have not left a single thing which brings you
closer to Paradise and distances you from Hellfire except that I have
commanded you with it and I have not left a single thing which
brings you closer to Hellfire and distances you from Hellfire except
that I have prohibited you from it

SOME WARNINGS FROM THE SAHABAS AND

SALAF AS-SAALIHEEN (righteouss
predecessors)
1) Abdullah Ibn Abbas (r.a) (d. 68H) said: "Indeed the most
detestable of things to Allaah are the innovations."

[Reported by al-Bayhaqee in as-Sunan al-Kubraa (4/316)]

Abdullah Ibn Abbaas (r.a) also said, "When "Bid'ah (innovation)" is

created then the Sunnah dies and this continues until that "Bid'ah"
is living and the Sunnah is dead."

‫ نا أسد بن موسى قال‬: ‫ حدثني محمد بن سعيد قال‬: ‫ حدثني محمد بن وضاﺡ قال‬: ‫ حدثني‬: ‫نا عبد المﺆمن بن عبد الله قال‬
‫ عن ابن عباس قال‬، ‫ عن عكرمة‬، ‫ حتى تحيا مهدي‬، ‫البدع ما يﺄتي على الناس من عام إال أحدثوا فيه بدعة وأماتوا فيه سنة‬
‫وتموت السنن‬

Ibn Abbas r.a states : " Every year the people of innovations innovate
some or the other bid`ah and wipe away some or the other sunnah
due to which innovations come alive and sunnah becomes dead ."

[Ibn Waddah al-Bidaayah an Nahaya (hadeeth 93) ]

‘Uthmaan Ibn Haadir:

“I said to ’Abdullaah Ibn ’Abbaas, ‘Advise me.’ He said, ‘It is upon

you to be upright, and follow the first affair (the way of the Prophet
and his Companions), and do not innovate.’ “
[al-Ibaanah (1/319) by Ibn Battah]

( : ‫ قَا َل‬، ٍ‫طاء‬ َ ‫ َع ْن َع‬، ٍ‫ نا اب ُْن ُج َريْج‬، ‫س‬ َ ُ‫سى ب ُْن يُون‬ َ ‫حديث موقوف) أ َ ْخبَ َرنَا أ َ ْخ َب َرنَا ِعي‬
‫ير ِه ْم َما ِبي إِال أ َ ْن‬ ِ ‫ َو ِلت َ ْك ِب‬، ‫اإل ْهال َل‬ ِ ‫اس َهذَا‬ ِ َّ‫ " َع َجبًا ِلت َ ْر ِك الن‬: ‫ َيقُو ُل‬، ‫َّاس‬ ٍ ‫س ِم ْعتُ ابْنَ َعب‬ َ
ُ‫ص َم ِم ْنهُ َجا َءه‬ ِ ‫ع‬ ُ ‫ فَإِذَا‬، ‫اإلثْ ِم‬ ِ ‫سانَ ِم ْن ِق َب ِل‬ َ ‫اإل ْن‬ ْ
ِ ‫طانَ َيﺄ ِتي‬ َ ‫ش ْي‬َّ ‫ َولَ ِك َّن ال‬، ‫سنًا‬َ ‫ير َح‬ ُ ‫َي ُكونَ الت َّ ْك ِب‬
ً‫ع بِ ْد َعة‬َ ‫سنَّةً َو ِليَ ْبت َ ِد‬
ُ ‫ع‬ َ َ‫ " ِم ْن ن َْح ِو ْال ِب ِ ّر ِليَد‬.

Ibn `Abbas (r.a) said : I am amazed to see the people abandon Tahleel
and Takbeer, though for me Takbeer is good . But the shaytaan
approaches man from the way (or door) of evil (and sins) and when
he (the man) safeguards himself from this (i.e the evil through
which the shaytan appeals to him) then he comes to them
(mankind) showing them goodness so as to have them leave the
sunnah and follow the Bid`ah

[Musnad Ishaaq ibn Rahaawy (482) . In Book as-Sunnah 10- Page 9, Shaykh
Ghulam Mustafa Zaheer said Isnaadu Saheeh and Sh. Zubayr r.h said
likewise in his Majallah]

2) Abdullah Ibn Umar (r.a) (d. 84H) said:

‫ " كل بدعة ضاللة وإن رآها الناس حسنة " وسنده صحيح كما قال األلباني في تخريج اصالﺡ‬: - ‫ رضي هللا عنه‬-‫ابن عمر‬
‫المساجد ص‬.

"Every innovation is misguidance, even if the people see it as

something good."

[ Related by Ad-Darimee, Abu Shamaah (no. 39), Ibn Nasr in as-Sunnah

(no. 82), al-Laalikaa’ee in Sharh Usoolul-Ftiqaad (no. 126) & Sharh I’tiqad
Ahl as-Sunnah (1/92 or hadees 126 or Vol.1 , Page 134, Hadeeth 111), and
by al-Bayhaqee in al-Madkhal (no. 191). Its authentic; Ahkaam al-Janaa’iz
(258) , al mudakkhal Bayhaqi hadees 191 and Ibn Battah in Al-Ibânah Al-
Kubraa Vol.1 p219, no. 213 and Islah al-Masajid (13). Salim Al-Hilaali said:
“Its isnaad (chain of narration) is as authentic as the sun!"]
Abū Ja’far reports:

Whenever Ibn ‘Umar – Allāh be pleased with him – heard a hadīth

from Allāh’s Messenger – Allāh’s praise and peace be upon him – he
never went beyond it, and he never fell short of it.

[Ref: Ibn Mājah, Al-Sunan, hadīth #4. Shaykh Al-Albānī graded this
narration sahīh in his edition of the Sunan.]

Shaykh Al-Albānī explained that ‘he never went beyond it’ means: he never
added anything to what was in the hadīth or over stepped the bounds of the
hadīth; and ‘he never fell short of it’ means: he never ne glected what was
in the hadīth.

A man said to 'Abdullah ibn 'Umar (r.a) : "Najdah ( name of a man from the
Khawaarij ) says such and such. So Ibn 'Umar (r.a) prevented himself from
listening (to it) for fear that some of it should enter his heart

[al-Laalikaa'ee (199)]

3) Abdullaah ibn Mas'ood (r.a) said, "Follow and do not innovate, for
you have been given that which is sufficient and every innovation is
misguidance."

[Reported by Abu Khaithamah in Kitaab Ul-'Ilm (no. 540) and declared

saheeh by Shaikh al-Albaanee and reported in Ahmad in Az-Zuhd p. 162,
Ad-Daarimee (no. 211), Al-Bayhaqee in Madkhal (no. 204), Wakee' in Az-
Zuhd (no. 315), Ibnut-Tararaanee in As-Sunnah (no. 104), Ibn Nasr in As-
Sunnah (p. 23) and by Mujaahid in As-Sab'ah (p. 46]

and he (Abdullah ibn Mas'ood said) “Beware of what the people

introduce of the Bid`ah. The Deen (religion) is not taken away from
the heart in one go (at once). Rather, Shaitaan introduces the
person to a Bid`ah (and keeps him engaged in it) till Imaan (Faith)
is removed from his heart. Soon (a time is coming where) people will
let go of all the obligations which Allaah has enjoined on them from
the Salaah (prayers), the Siyaam (fasting), the Halaal and the
Haraam, and they will speak about their Lord ‫( عز وجل‬without
knowledge). So whosoever reaches that time should flee.”

It was said: “O Abu `Abdul Rahmaan! Flee to where?” He said: “Where

there is no one.” He further said: “He should flee with his heart and
his religion, and he should not sit with Ahl al-Bid`ah (innovators and
people of desires).”

[Sharh Usool `Itiqaad Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jamaa`ah (196, 1/136)]

Abdullah ibn Mas'ood (r.a) also said :

‫سال ُم َو ِليًّا ِم ْن َِلِلِ ِع ْن َد ُك ِِّل ِب ْدعَة ِإن‬ ِ ‫ع ْنهَا ِكي َد بِهَا‬

ْ ‫اإل‬ ُّ ُ‫ أ َ ْو ِل َيائِ ِه يَذ‬, ‫ق ِبعَال َمتِهَا‬
َ ‫ب‬ َ ‫ فَا ْغتَنِ ُموا ُحض‬,
ِ ‫ُور ِت ْلكَ ا ْل َم َو‬
ُ ‫ َويَ ْن ِط‬, ‫اط ِن‬
‫ع َلى‬
َ ‫َللاِ َوتَ َوكلُوا‬

"For every bid’ah with which Islam is plotted against, Allah has a
beloved worshipper (wali) who refutes and repels it and speaks
about its signs, so take the full opportunity of attending such places,
and trust in Allah.

[Ibn Waddah, Al-Bid'ah (Hadith 4)]

He (r.a) also said: "You must hold fast to knowledge [Sunnah] before
it is taken away. This taking away consists in the departure of those
who possess it. None of you knows when he shall surely need one of
them, or needs what he has. Verily you shall encounter a people who
claim that they are calling you unto Allah's Book when in fact they
have tossed it behind their backs. So hold fast to knowledge, beware
of innovating (al-tabaddu`), beware of excessive contention (al-
tanattu`), and beware of deep involvement (al-ta`ammuq). Hold
fast to the ancient (al-`atiq).

[Narrated with a mursal chain of sound narrators from Abu Qilaba - who did
not meet Ibn Mas`ood as stated by al-Haythami in Majma` al-Zawa'id
(1:126) - by al-Darimi, al-Azdi in his Jami` (11:252), Ibn Waddah in al-
Bida` (#25), Muhammad ibn Nasr al-Marwazi in al-Sunna (p. 29-30), al-
Lalika'i in Sharh Usul I`tiqad Ahl al-Sunna (1:87 #108), al-Tabarani in al-
Kabir (9:170), and Ibn `Abd al-Barr in Jami` Bayan al-`Ilm (2:1202
#2363), the latter with a weak chain according to al-Zuhayri. Al-Darimi's
chain is strengthened by al-Bayhaqi's uninterrupted chain to Ibn Mas`ood
from the trutstworthy Tabi`i `A'idh Allah ibn `Abd Allah in al-Madkhal (p.
272). ]

Ibn Mas'ood (r.a) said " A person is like his friend"

[related by Ibn abi Ya'la in Tabaqatul Hanaabilah (1/60) and Ibn Muflih in
Adaabush -Shari'yyah (1/263)]
He also said: For one to be moderate in practising the sunnah is
better than to exert himself in heresies (bid`ah)

[Ref: Shawaat page 24 and Dr. Jamaal Zarbozoo's book the authority and
importance of sunnah, page 20]

Ibn Mas`ood , `Ali ibn Abi Taalib are reported to have said:
‫ وال نية إال بموافقة السنة‬، ‫ وال قول وعمل إال بنية‬، ‫ وال عمل إال بقول‬، ‫ال ينفع قول إال بعمل‬

There is no benefit in statement without (accompanying it with)

action , in action without speech and in speech and action without
(the proper) intention and (there is no benefit in having an)
intention except if it is in accordance to the sunnah
[Ref: Ibn Battah in al-Ibaanah (2/803 , no. 1089. ) and Laalika’ee (1/63 –
No. 18) and (1/64 – No. 20)]

Mu`adh ibn Jabal (r.a)

Abi Dawood narrated that Mu’adh ibn Jabal, may Allaah be pleased
with him, said to his companions one day: “Indeed after you there
will be tribulations in which wealth will be abundant. The Qur‟aan
will be opened therein, so much so that the believer, the hypocrite,
the man, the woman, the child, the elder, the slave, and the freeman
will memorize it.” A person would say: „What is with the people, that
they do not follow me while I recite the Qur‟aan? They will not
follow me unless I innovate for them other than it.‟ So beware of
what is innovated. For that which is innovated is misguidance.

[Ref: Reported by Aboo Daawud within his Sunan 4/202 in the Book of
Sunnah; Chapter: Clinging to the Sunnah (no. 4611) Al-Albaanee graded it
Saheeh within Saheeh Abi Dawood (no. 4611)]

4) Ahmad Ibn Hanbal (r.h) once said, "The greatest sinner (faasiq)
from the Ahl-Sunnah Wal Jamaah (one following rasool and his
companions) is better than the most pious person from Ahl-"Bid'ah".

‘Abdullâh the son of Al-Imâm Ahmad ibn Hanbal reports that his father,
Al-Imâm Ahmad, said, “The graves of Ahl Al-Sunnah who committed
major sins are gardens (from Paradise) whilst the graves of the
heretics (adherents of Bid’ah) who were ascetics are pits (from the
Fire). The sinners from Ahl Al-Sunnah are the beloved (awliyâ`) of
Allâh, whereas the ascetics of Ahl Al-Bid’ah are the enemies of
Allâh.”

[Ibn Abî Ya’lâ, Tabaqât Al-Hanâbilah Vol. 1 p182.]

Alî b. Abî Khâlid – Allâh have mercy on him – reports:

I once said to Ahmad, “This shaykh – referring to an older man who was
with us – is my neighbor. I told him not to keep the company of a certain
person, and he would like to hear what you have to say about him: I am
referring to Hârith Al-Qasîr (Al-Hârith Al-Muhâsibî). Many years ago, you saw
me with him and told me not to sit with him nor speak with him. I have not
spoken to him since that time. This shaykh, however, does sit with him. So
what do you say?”

I saw Ahmad go red with anger, his eyes bulging; I had never before seen
him like this. He started to say, “Him! May Allâh do such-and-such to
him! Only those well-informed of him know what he really is, only
those who really know him know what he is. Al-Mughâzilî, Ya’qûb
and so-and-so sat with him, and he caused them to adopt the views
of Jahm (Ibn Safwân, leader of the Jahmites). They were destroyed
because of him.”

The old man said, “But Abû ‘Abdillâh, he reports hadîth, and he is mild
and humble; he has done such-and-such [good works].” Abû ‘Abdillâh
(Imâm Ahmad) became angry and began repeating, “Let not his humility
and softness deceive you”. He also said, “Do not be fooled by his
bowed head, he is an evil man; only those well-informed of him
through experience know him. Do not speak to him – with all
disrespect to him. Are you going to sit with everyone who narrates
from Allâh’s Messenger – may the praise and peace of Allâh be upon
him – though he be a heretic (mubtadi’)? No, with all disrespect.”

[Tabaqât Al-Hanâbilah, article 325]

Imaam Ahmad said Rah.: “And let him not be of those who invent new
matters [into the Deen], for whenever such a thing emerges from
such a man, he seeks to find a proof for what he is doing. So he
induces himself to do the impossible, searching for a proof for what
he has brought out – whether valid or baseless – in order to beautify
his innovation and his invention. And worse than that, is that he
fabricates it – attributing it to some written text that has been
conveyed about it. So he desires to beautify that with truth
and falsehood.”

[Al-Ibaanah, by Ibn Battah, 2/472]

5) 'Umar ibn 'Abd Allah-'Azeez (r.h) said, "There is no excuse for

anyone, after the Sunnah, to be misguided upon error which he
thought was guidance."

[Al-Marwazee reports in as-Sunnah (no. 95)]

Ibn Shihâb reports that ‘Umar b. ‘Abd Al-’Azîz – Allah have mercy on him,
said, “The Messenger of Allâh – Allâh’s peace and blessings be upon
him – and the authorities (leaders of the Muslims, the Caliphs ) after
him set certain ways and practices. To follow those ways is to
believe in Allâh’s Book and to complete [ones] obedience of Him,
and to be strong upon the religion of Allâh. It is not for anyone to
alter those ways or change them for something else, and it is not for
anyone to consider the views and opinions of those who contradict
them. Whoever follows what [the Prophet and his Caliphs] laid down
will be guided, whoever seeks enlightenment through it will be
enlightened. But whoever contradicts those ways and follows a way
other than the way of the Believers, Allâh the Mighty and Majestic
will leave him in the path he has chosen and land him in Jahannam
(Hell); and what an evil destination that is.’”

[Al-Lâlakâ`î, Sharh Usûl I’tiqâd Ahl Al-Sunnah 1:94.]

Umar Ibn ‘Abdil ‘Azeez also said:

“Stop where the (righteous) people have stopped! For indeed, they
stopped upon receiving knowledge. The clear evidences would
suffice them, and they were the strongest at manifesting them. If
there were any merit in something, then they would be the most
deserving of it. So if you say: ‘It was introduced after them’ , then no
one introduces something into it except that he has opposed their
guidance, and desired other than their example. They have described
it from what was sufficient, and they have spoken concerning it -
what sufficed. What is above them is excessiveness, and what is
below them is inadequacy. Some people have fallen short of them,
and so they have drawn away. And others have transgressed them,
so they have become extreme. But indeed they were between these
two (extremes), upon a straight path.”

[Reported by Ibn Qudaamah in Al Burhaan li Bayaanil Qur’aan (p. 88-89).

Also reported by al Haafidh Ibnul Jawzee in Manaqib Umar Ibn Abdil Azeez
(p. 83-84), and by al Haafidh Ibn Rajab in Fadl Ilm as-Salaf (p. 36)]

6) Sufyaan ath-Thawree (r.h) said: “Innovation is more beloved to

Iblees than sin, since a sin may be repented from but innovation is
not repented from.”

[al-Laalikaa'ee – Sharh Usool I'tiqaad Ahlis-Sunnah wal-Jamaa'ah (no. 238)]

‫ وال يستقيم قول وعمل ونية إال بمتابعة السنة‬،‫ وال يستقيم قول وعمل إال بنية‬،‫ ال يُقبل قول إال بعمل‬: ‫الثوري رحمه الله‬

Imaam Sufyan at-Thawri rahimahullah also said : No statement is

accepted/complete/truthful without enacting upon it, and no speech or action is
accepted without (it’s proper) intention and no statement, action or intention is
accepted until it is in accordance to the sunnah.

[Ref: Hilyatul Awliyah (8/32), Hasan by Shaykh Ghulaam Mustafa zaheer Ameenpuri
hafidhahullah]

Sufyan ath-Thawree (r.h) also said "Whoever listens to an innovator

has left the protection of Allaah and is entrusted with the
innovation.”
[Abu Nu'aym in al-Hilyah (7/26) and Ibn Battah (444)]

7) Al-Fudayl bin `Iyaad (r.h) said: “I met the best of people, all of
them people of the Sunnah and they used to forbid from
accompanying the people of innovation.”

[al-Laalikaa'ee – Sharh Usool I'tiqaad Ahlis-Sunnah wal-Jamaa'ah (no.267]

Al-Fudayl bin `Iyaad (r.h) also said: “Whoever sits with a person of
innovation, then beware of him and whoever sits with a person of
innovation has not been given wisdom. I love that there was fort of
iron between me and a person of innovation. That I eat with a Jew
and a Christian is more beloved to me than that I eat with a person
of innovation.”

[al-Laalikaa'ee (1149)]

Al-Fudayl Ibn ‘Iyaad said, “Do not sit with a person of innovation.
Allaah has rendered his actions futile and has taken the light of
Islaam from his heart.”

(Ibid. no. 263)

He also said, “Do not feel safe about your deen with a person of
innovation. Do not consult him in your affairs and do not sit with
him, for whoever sits with a person of innovation Allaah will make
him inherit blindness.”

(Ibid, no. 264)

And he said, “Verily, Allaah has angels who look for the gatherings in
which remembrance is made, so look and see with whom is your
sitting. Let it not be with a person of innovation for Allaah does not
look at them. And a sign of hypocrisy is that a man stands and sits
with a person of innovation.”

(Ibid. no. 265)

Al-Fudayl Ibn ‘Iyaad (d.187H) said, “If a man comes to a person to

consult him and he directs him to an innovator, then he has made a
deception of Islaam. Beware of going to a person of innovation for
they divert (people) from the truth.”

(Ibid, no. 261)

‫ قال‬، ‫ ثنا عبد الصمد بن يزيد‬، ‫ ثنا محمد بن النضر األزدي‬، ‫ حدثنا سليمان بن أحمد‬: ‫ " من أحب‬: ‫سمعت الفضيل يقول‬
‫ وأخرج نور اإلسالم من قلبه‬، ‫ " صاحب بدعة أحبط هللا عمله‬.

Fudayl ibn `Iyad (d. 187 AH) also said : Whoever loves a person of
bid`ah , Allah wastes his deeds and removes the Noor of Islam from
his heart
[Ref: Hilyatul Awliyah 8/103]

8) Al-Hasan al-Basree (r.h) said: “Do not sit with the people of
innovation and desires, nor argue with them, nor listen to them.”

[ad-Daarimee in his Sunan (1/121)]

Hasan Basri rahimahullah also said:

‫ وال نية إال بموافقة السنة‬، ‫ وال قول وعمل إال بنية‬، ‫ وال عمل إال بقول‬، ‫ال ينفع قول إال بعمل‬

There is no benefit in statement without (accompanying it with)

action , in action without speech and in speech and action without
(the proper) intention and (there is no benefit in having an)
intention except if it is in accordance to the sunnah
[Ref: Ibn Battah in al-Ibaanah (2/803 , no. 1089. ) and Laalika’ee (1/63 –
No. 18) and (1/64 – No. 20)]

9) Ibraaheem bin Maysarah said: “Whoever honours an innovator

has aided in the destruction of Islaam.”

[al-Laalikaa'ee (1/139)]

10) Imaam Maalik (r.h) said: “How evil are the people of innovation,
we do not give them salaam.”

[al-Baghawee in Sharh us-Sunnah (1/234)]

Imâm Al-Shâfi’î said:

Whenever any people of desires (heretics) came to Mâlik he would

say to them, “As for me, I am upon clarity as regards my religion. As
for you, you are a doubter, go and argue with another doubter like
yourself.”

[Al-Dhahbî in Siyar A’lâm Al-Nubalâ’ under the biography of Imâm Mâlik.]

Abu ʿAbdillah Muhammad ibn Idris ash-Shafi’ee 204 AH (May Allah have
mercy on him) said,

“‫ما ناظرتُ أحداً أحببتُ أن يخطئ‬

‫إال صاحب بدعة‬
‫” فإني أحب أن ينكشف أمره للناس‬
“There is no one whom I love to see make a mistake except for a person of
innovation. For indeed, it is beloved to me to expose his affair to the people”

Source: Tabyeen Kadhab al-Muftari by Ibn Isaakar 340

Another similar matter has also been indicated by Imaam Maalik

(rahimahullaah) in a reported saying of his that ought to be recorded in
golden ink. And it is his saying: "Whosoever introduces into Islaam an
innovation, which he deems is good, then he has claimed that
Muhammad has betrayed (the trust of conveying) the Message. Read
the saying of Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic: 'This day I have
completed your Religion for you, and I have perfected My favour
upon you, and I am pleased with Islaam as a Religion for you.'
[Surat-ul-Maa'idah: 3] So whatever was not (part of) the Religion on
that day, is not (part of) the Religion on this day. And the last part of
this ummah (nation) will not be rectified, except by that which its
first part was rectified by."

11) Imaam ash-Shaafi`ee (r.h) said: “That a person meets Allaah

with every sin except Shirk is better than meeting Him upon any one
of the innovated beliefs.”

[al-Bayhaqee in al-I'tiqaad (p.158)]

Imaam ash-Shaafi'ee (rahima-hullaah) also said: The Sunnahs of the

Messenger of Allaah (sal-Allaahu 'alayhe wa sallam) reach, as well
as escape from every one of us. So whenever I voice my opinion, or
formulate a principle, where something contrary to my view exists
on the authority of the Messenger of Allaah (sal-Allaahu 'alayhe wa
sallam), then the correct view is what the Messenger of Allaah (sal-
Allaahu 'alayhe wa sallam) has said, and it (that) is my view
.
[Related by Haakim with a continuous sanad up to Shaafi'i, as in Taareekh
Damishq of Ibn 'Asaakir (15/1/3), I'laam al-Muwaqqi'een (2/363, 364) &
Eeqaaz (p. 100)]

12) Al-Layth bin Sa`d (r.h) said:

“If I saw a person of desires (i.e. innovations) walking upon the

water I would not accept from him.” So Imaam as-Shaafi`ee then
said: “He (al-Layth) has fallen short. If I saw him walking in the air I
would not accept from him.”

[as-Suyooti in al-Amr bil 'Ittibaa wan-Nahee anil Ibtidaa`]

Another translation says

‫وقال يونس بن عبد األعلى قلت للشافعي رضي هللا عنه إن صاحبنا يعني الليث بن سعد كان يقول إذا رأيتم الرجل يمشي على‬
‫الماء فال تغتروا به حتى تعرضوا أمره على الكتاب والسنة فقال قصر رحمه هللا بل إذا رأيتم الرجل يمشي على الماء ويطير في‬
‫الهواء فال تغتروا به حتى تعرضوا أمره على الكتاب والسنة‬
32 ‫طبقات الشافعيين‬

Yunus ibn Abdul ‘Ala reported: I said to Ash-Shafi’ee, may Allah be pleased with him,
“Our companion Laith ibn Sa’d would say: If you see a man walking on water, then do
not be amazed by him until he demonstrates that he follows the commands of the
Book and the Sunnah.” Ash-Shafi’ee said, “Even less, may Allah have mercy on him.
Rather, if you see a man walking on water and flying in the air, then do not be
amazed by him until he demonstrates that he follows the commands of the Book and
the Sunnah.”
[Ref: Tabaqat Ash-Shafi’een 32]

Another version:

‫بل إذا رأيتم الرجل يمشي على الماء ويطير في الهواء فال تغتروا به حتى تعرضوا أمره على الكتاب والسنة‬

Even if you see a person walking on the water and flying in the air, do not
consider him the Wali of Allah until you see that his actions are according to
Kitab and Sunnah

[Tafseer Ibn Katheer 1/137-138]

See the 4 Imams (Abu Hanifa, Maalik, Sha'fi and Hanbal) prohibit
their (blind) taqleed : http://the-
finalrevelation.blogspot.in/2012/08/4-imams-forbidding-
taqleed.html

13) Imaam al-Barbahaaree (rahima-hullaah) mentions: "The

innovators are like scorpions. They bury their heads and bodies in
the sand and leave their tails out. When they get the chance they
sting; the same with the innovators who conceal themselves
amongst the people, when they are able, they do what they desire "
[Reported in Tabaqaatul-Hanaabilah – Volume 2, Page 44 and ((Manhajul-
Ahmad)) Sharhus-Sunnah – Imaam al-Barbahaaree]

Imam Al-Barbahaaree is one of the companions of Ahmad Ibn Hanbal,

said, "Beware of "Bid'ah", because every "Bid'ah" started out as
something small and resembling the truth and people were fooled by
it and followed it until it became bigger and bigger and were trapped
by it and it took them out of Islaam."

Shaykh al-Barbaharee (D. 329H Rahimahullah) Also states: May Allah have
mercy upon you. Know that the Religion is what came from Allaah, the
Blessed and the Most High. It is not something left to the intellect and
opinions of men. Knowledge of it is what comes from Allaah and His
Messenger, so do not follow anything based upon your desires and so
deviate away from the Religion and leave Islam. There will be no excuse for
you since Allaah's Messenger explained the Sunnah to his Ummah and made
it clear to his Companions and they are the Jamaa'ah and they are the Main
Body, and the Main Body is the truth and its followers.

14) Abu Haatim (rahima-hullaah) said: "A sign of the people of

innovation is their battling against the people of Narrations".
[Sharh Usool I'tiqaad Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa'ah – al-Laalikaa'ee – Volume
1, Page 179]

15) as-Saffaareenee (rahima-hullaah) said: And we are not focusing

on mentioning the virtues of the people of Hadeeth, for indeed their
virtues are well known and their merits are many. So whoever
belittles them, then he is despicable and lowly. And whoever hates
them, then he is from the backward party of the Devil.
[Lawaa.ihul-Anwaar – Volume 2, Page 355]

18) Imaam Abu 'Uthmaan as-Saaboonee (rahima-hullaah) said: "The

signs of the people of innovation are clear and obvious. The most
apparent of their signs is their severe enmity for those who carry the
reports (hadeeth) of the Prophet
[The 'Aqeedah of the (Pious) Predecessors – Page 101]

19) Muhammad ibn Ahmad ibn al-Qaasim related to us, saying: Ahmad ibn
al-Hasan narrated to us saying: Sulaymaan ibn al-Ash'ath narrated to us,
saying: 'Abdullaah ibn Chubbi al-Anteeq narrated to us, saying: Yaws ibn
Asbaat narrated to us, saying: I heard Muhammad ibn an-Nadr al-
Haarithee (r.h) say:
"Whoever listens to a person of innovation – and knows that he is a
person of innovation – then protection is taken away from him, and
he is left to himself"

[al-Imaam al-Haafiz Abul-Qaasim Habatullaah ibn al-Hasan ibn Mansoor at-

Tabaree al-Laalikaa'ee (d.418 A.H.) reports in his "Sharh Usool I'tiqaad
Ahlis-Sunnah wal-Jamaa'ah" – Volume 1 Pages 135-136 No. 252 Source .
Also read detailed 'commandments of Imams of Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamah on
Bidah: http://www.islamicboard.com/methodology/5074-general-article-
commandments-imams-ahl-sunnah.html and www.systemoflife.com]

20) Hasan Ibn Attiya (r.h) one of the Ta'baeen said, "When the people
accept the "Bid'ah" , Allah removes the Sunnah from among them
and doesn't return it until the day of judgment."

21) Abul-Jawzâ` – Allâh have mercy on him – said, “I would prefer

to sit with swine than to sit with the people of desires (heretics,
adherents of bid’ah).”

[Al-Dhahabî, Siyar A’lâm Al-Nubalâ`, in his biography of the Abul-Jawzâ`.

He reported from a number of Companions, and Al-Dhahabî considered him
to be one of the senior scholars.]

22) Abû ‘Uthmân Sa’îd b. Ismâ’îl Al-Naysâbûrî rahimahu allah

(d290H) said:

Whoever governs himself by the Sunnah – in word and deed – will

speak with wisdom. But whoever governs himself according to his
own desires will speak heresies (bid’ah); because Allah tabâraka wa
ta’âlâ said: " And if you obey him (the Messenger) you will be
guided". [Sûrah Al-Nûr: 54]

[Abû Nu’aym in Al-Hilyah Vol.10 p244, and others.]

23) Qaadee Aboo Ya’laa (d.333H) rahimahu allah said, “There is

concensus (Ijmaa’) among the Sahaabah and the Taabi’een as
regards to dissociating and cutting-off from the Innovators.”

(Hajarul-Mubtadi, p. 32)
24) Al-Qurtubee (d.671H) rahimahullah said, “And when avoiding
the people of sin has been established, as we have just explained,
then avoiding the People of Innovations and Desires is foremost
(i.e., more befitting).”

(Tafseerul-Qurtubee, 5/418)

25) Al-Baghawee (d.535H) rahimahu Allah said, “And the Sahaabah,

the Taabi’een, their successors and the Scholars of the Sunnah
passed away while they were upon this, united and unanimously
agreed upon having enmity towards the People of Innovation and
fleeing from them.”

[Sharhus-Sunnah, 1/227]

Al-Baghawee also said, “And the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wassallam) has
informed about the splitting of this Ummah and the appearance of desires
and innovations within it. And he ruled that deliverance would be for the one
who followed his Sunnah and the Sunnah of his Companions (radhiyAllahu
anhu). Therefore, it is necessary for the Muslim when he sees a man
engaging himself with anything from the desires and innovations, believing
in them, or belittling anything from the Sunnah, that he flees from him,
disowns him and leaves him — dead or alive. So he does not give salaam to
him when he meets him and nor does he respond to him if he salutes first
(and he should continue doing this) until this person abandons his innovation
and returns to the truth.”

(Sharhus-Sunnah, 1/224)

26) Aboo Qilaabah (d.104H/140H) rahimahu allah said, “Do not sit
with them, do not mix with them for I fear that they will immerse
you in their misguidance and confuse you in much of what you
know.”

(Ibid. no 244, also by al-Bayhaqi in I'tiqaad (p.118), and 'Abdullah ibn

Ahmad in his Sunnah (p.18))

27) Ath-Thaabit Ibn Al-Ajlaan (r.h) said, “I met Anas Ibn Maalik
(r.a), Ibn Al-Musayyah, Al-Hasan Al-Basree, Sa’eed Ibn Jubair, Ash-
Sha’bee, Ibraaheem An-Nakha’ee, Ataa’ Ibn Abee Ribaah, Taawoos,
Mujaahid, ‘Abdullaah Ibn Abee Mulaikah, Az-Zuhree, Makhool, Al-
Qaasim Aboo ‘Abdur-Rahmaan, Ataa’ Al-Khurasaanee, Thaabit Al-
Bunaanee, Al-Hakam Ibn ‘Utbah, Ayyoob As-Sakhtiyaanee,
Hammaad Ibn Muhammad Ibn Sireen, Aboo ‘Aamir - and he had
actually met Aboo Bakr As-Siddeeq (radhiyAllahu anhu), Yazeed Ar-
Riqaashee, and Sulaimaan Ibn Moosaa — all of them were ordering
me (to hold on to) the Jamaa’ah and forbidding me from the People
of Desires (i.e., Innovators).”

[Sharh Usoolil-I’tiqaad of Al-Laalikaa’ee, no. 239]

28) Sa’eed Ibn ‘Aamir (r.h) said,

‫ دخل رجالن من أصحاب األهواﺀ على بن سيرين فقاال يا أبا بكر نحدثك بحديث‬: ‫أخبرنا سعيد بن عامر عن أسماﺀ بن عبيد قال‬
‫قال ال قاال فنقرأ عليك آية من كتاب الله قال ال لتقومان‬

‫عني أو ألقومن قال فخرجا فقال بعض القوم يا أبا بكر وما كان‬
‫عليك ان يقرأ عليك آية من كتاب الله تعالى قال اني خشيت ان يقرأ علي آية فيحرفانها فيقر ذلك في قلبي‬

“I heard my grandfather, Ismaa’eel Ibn Khaarijah speaking, saying,

“Two men from the People of Desires came to Muhammad Ibn Sireen
(d.110H) and said, ‘O Aboo Bakr, can we narrate to you a hadeeth?’
He said, ‘No.’ They said, ‘Then can we recite an aayah to you?’ He
said, ‘No. Either you stand (and leave) or I will stand (and leave).’
So the two men stood and left. Some of the people said to him,
‘What harm would it do to you if they recited an aayah?’ He said, ‘I
disliked that they read an aayah to me and then distort it, so that
this falls into my heart.”

[Ibid, no. 242, and it is reported via Asma bint 'Ubayd in Sunan ad-
Daarimee (1/109 - Hadeeth 397)]

29) Imam Al-Awzaa’ee (d.157H) rahimahullah reports from Yahyaa Ibn

Katheer (d.129H) that he said, “If you meet a person of innovation
along the path, then take a path other than it.”

(Ibid, no. 259)

Imaam al-Awzaa`ee rahimahumullah also said, "Patiently restrict

yourselves to the sunnah, stop where the people stopped, say what
they said, avoid what they avoided. Take to the path of the salaf, for
indeed what was
sufficient for them was sufficient for you."
[Al-Hujjah of Ismail Abu Fadhl (6/A-B)]

Al-Awza`ee also said:

‫ وال يستقيم اإليمان والقول والعمل إال بنية موافقة‬، ‫ وال يستقيم اإليمان والقول إال بالعمل‬، ‫( ال يستقيم اإليمان إال بالقول‬: ‫قال‬
‫ للسنة‬.

‫ فمن آمن بلسانه وعرف بقلبه وصدق بعمله فتلك العروة الوثقى التي ال انفصام لها‬.

‫) ومن قال بلسانه ولم يعرف بقلبه ولم يصدقه بعمله لم يقبل منه وكان في اآلخرة من الخاسرين‬

Emaan is not established (or upright) except without speech and

Emaan along with Speech is not established except with `Amal and
Emaan with speech and action is not established except with an
intention in accordance to Sunnah

[Ref: Al-Ibaana lil Ibn Batta (2/807 – no. 1097)]

30) Ibn Qudaamah (d.620H) rahimahullah said, “The Salaf used to

forbid sitting with the People of Innovations, looking into their
books and listening to their words.”

(Al-Aadaabus-Shareah, 1/263)

31) Imaam Al-Laalikaa’ee (d.418H) rahimahullah said in Sharh

Usoolil-I’tiqaad, 1/114, “What is related from the Prophet
(sallallahu alayhi wassallam) with regards to the prohibition of
debating with the Innovators.” Aboo Daawood (d.275H) has a
chapter in his Sunan, 4/197, “Chapter: Turning away from the
Innovators and having hatred for them.” Al-Bayhaqee (d.458H) said
in Al-I’tiqaad, pg.236, “Chapter: Prohibition of Sitting with the
Innovators.” Imaam An-Nawawee (d.676H) mentions in Al-Adhkaar,
pg.323, “Chapter: Disassociating from the People of Innovation and
the People of Sin.”

32) An innovator once asked Ayyoub As-Sakhtiyaanee (r.h): Oh Abu

Bakr , may i ask you about a word? he (al Ayyoub) turned away and
indicated with his hand "no, not even half a word"

[Fathul Qadir (2/128) of as-Shawkaani]

33) Abu Dawood as-Sijjistaani (d.275H) said : I said to Abu

'Abdullah Ahmad ibn Hanbal : "If i see a man from Ahlus-Sunnah,
sitting with a man from the people of bid'ah (innovation) , should i
abandon speaking to him? He (Ahmad ibn Hanbal) said : " No, you
should first inform him that the one whom you saw him with is a
person of innovation. (then) either he will cease speaking to the
innovator - so continue speaking to him - or if not, then regard him
to be like him "

34) Qaadhi Abu Ya'la (d.333H) said : There is an Ijmaa' from the
Sahaabas and Taaba'een in regards to disassociating and cutting off
from the innovators

35) Mu’âdh bin Jabal (radiyAllahu'anhu):

"Ahead of you are times of trials (fitan) in which there will be much
wealth and in which the Qur'an will be opened and taken (read) by
believers and hypocrites, men and women, young and old and
freemen and slaves. At that time it is likely that there will be people
who will say, “Why aren’t the people following me when I have read
the Qur'an? They will not follow me until I invent something else.”
So, beware of everything that is innovated (in religion), for those
things that are innovated are misguidance."

(Ibn Waddâh, Al-Bida’ p62, Al-Lâlakâ`î, Sharh Usûl I’tiqâd Ahl –Al-
Sunnah wa Al-Jamâ’ah Vol. 1 p125)

36) Bilaal bin Sa`d ‫رحمه هللا‬said:

Righteous deeds are not accepted along with (these) three things:

1. Shirk (major and minor).

2. Kufr,
3. Opinion."

He was asked: "what is 'opinion' "?

He said: "Ignoring the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of His Messenger ‫صلى هللا عليه وسلم‬
and acting upon ones own opinion."

[al-Hilyah (5/229)]

37) Sa`eed ibn Jubayr rahimahullah is reported to have said:

‫ وال نية إال بموافقة السنة‬، ‫ وال قول وعمل إال بنية‬، ‫ وال عمل إال بقول‬، ‫ال ينفع قول إال بعمل‬

There is no benefit in statement without (accompanying it with)

action , in action without speech and in speech and action without
(the proper) intention and (there is no benefit in having an)
intention except if it is in accordance to the sunnah

[Ref: Ibn Battah in al-Ibaanah (2/803 , no. 1089. ) and Laalika’ee (1/63 –
No. 18) and (1/64 – No. 20)]

38) Muhammad ibn 'Abdir-Rahman al-Athramee

said to a man who had spoken a bid'ah (quran is created) and invited people
to it. "Did the Messenger of Allah (s.w.t), Aboo Bakr, 'Umar, 'Uthmaan and
'Alee know it?Or did they not? The man replied,"They did not know it." He
said "So you know something they didn't know?" The man then said,"I said
that they did know it." Al-Athramee said,"Was it appropriate for them not to
speak about it or call people to it, or not? He replied."It was appropriate for
them." Muhammad then exclaimed,"Something which was appropriate for
the Messenger of Allah(s.w.t) and his companions is not appropriate for
you!" The man then became silent.The Caliph, who was present at that
thime said," Allah will not elaborate (the meanings) for the one who does
not find appropriate what they found appropriate."

[Ref: Lum'atul-I'tiqaad 2/16, Siyar A'laam an-Nubaala 11/313]

39) Abū Ṣaleh al Farrā’ said: I mentioned to Yousuf bin Asbāṭ something from the
affairs of fitan (trials and tribulations) from Wakī‘ so he said, ‘That one resembles his
teacher.’ He meant al Ḥasan bin Ḥay, so he (Abū Ṣaleh) said: So I said to Yousuf, ‘Do
you not fear that this is backbiting?’ So he said, ‘Why o foolish one? I am better to
these people than their fathers and mothers. I forbid the people from acting in
accordance to that which they have innovated, because their crime (i.e. the crime of
the people who act in accordance with that which they have innovated) will follow
them. And whoever praises them, they are more harmful to them.’

(Aḥmad bin ‘Ali bin Ḥajr al ‘Asqalani, Tahzīb at Tahzīb, Vol. 1pp.398-399, Mu’as-
sasatu al Risālah).

40) Abdur-Rahman ibn Mahdi rahimahullah

‫ ال يقبل الله إال ما كان على األمر و‬: ‫عن عبد الرحمن بن مهدي أنه ذكر عنده قوم من أهل البدع واجتهادهم في العبادة فقال‬
‫ و رهبانيّةً ابتدعوها ما كتبناها عليهم فلم يقبل ذلك منهم ووبخهم عليه‬: ‫السنة ثم قرأ‬

(rough translation)

The striving of a group of the innovators in worship was mentioned to Abdu’l-Rahman

ibn Mahdi who remarked, ‘Allah only accepts what conforms to (His) command and
the Sunnah. He then recited, “As for monasticism, they invented it seeking Allah’s
good pleasure. We did not prescribe it for them,” 57:27 He did not accept it from
them, rather He rebuked them for it.’then said cling to sunnah

[Ref: HILYATUL AWLIYAA 7/8 ; Sanad hasan by shaykh ghulam mustafa zaheer
ameenpuri h.f - via Aijaz Shaikh]

41) Abu Darda (may Allah be pleased with him) said:

‫اقتصاد في سنة خير من اجتهاد في بدعة‬

To act according to Sunnah moderately (without much efforts) is better than

worshiping in an innovated way even if it is done by putting much efforts.

[Ref: sharh usool i'tiqaad ahlus-sunnah 1/201, no. 101; Sanad classed as saheeh by
Abu Malik al Reyashi]

The following narrations are quoted from the book

of Al-Imam al-Hafiz Abul-Qaasim Habatullaah ibn
al-Hasan ibn Mansoor at-Tabaree AL -
LAALIKAA'EE (d.418 H) , titled " Sharh Usool
I'tiqaad Ahlis-Sunnah wal-Jamaa'ah ' referenced to
"1/135-136/no. 252"
(31)...from Ayyoob (as-Sakhtiyaanee) who said: "Indeed from the
well-being of a youth or a non-Arab is that Allah should guide them
to a scholar from the companions of the Sunnah."

(32) ... from Ibn Shawdhab who said : "indeed from the blessings of
Allah upon a youth who seeks to worship Allah is that he is granted
as a brother a companion of the Sunnah who encourages him upon
it."

(246)...From Ayyoob as-Sakhtiyaanee who said: Aboo Qulaabah said

to me "O Ayyoob, memorise four things from me: Do not speak about
the Quraan from your opinion, and beware of Qadr, and if the
companions of Muhammad are mentioned then withhold (as in
respect), and do not let the people of innovation gain access to your
hearing."

(248)...Ma'mar said: Ibn - Taawoos was sitting when one of the

Mu'tazilah came and began speaking, so ibn Taawoos entered his
fingers into his ears and said to his son: "O My son put your fingers
into your ears and press tightly so you do not hear any of his
speech." Ma'mar said: Meaning that the heart is weak.

(249)...'Abdur Razzaaq narrated to us saying: Ibraaheem ibn Abee

Yahya said to me: "I think that there are many from the Mu'tazilah
in your area!?" I said: "Yes and they claim that you are one of
them." He said: "Will you enter this shop with me so that I can
speak with you?" I said: "No." He said: "Why?!" I said: "Since the
heart is weak and the Deen is not for the one who overcomes in
debating."

(251)...From Al-Awzaa'ee who said: 'Umar ibn 'Abdul - 'Azeez said:

"if you see a people meeting secretly concerning the Deen with
anything to the exclusion of the common people - then know that
they are upon the foundation of misguidance."

(252)...Yoosaf ibn Asbaat said: I heard Muhammad Ibn An - Nadral -

Haarithee say: "Whoever lends ear to an innovator - and knows that
he is an innovator then the protection is removed form him and he is
left to himself."

(253)...Yoonus ibn ' Ubayd said: "Do not sit with a ruler or an
innovator ."
(254)...Amad ibn Yoonus said: A man said to Sufyaan - and I was
listening - 'O Aboo' Abdullaah advice me.' He said: "Beware of
innovated sects and disputation and beware of rulers."

(259)...Yahyaa ibn Abee Katheer said: "If you see a person of

innovation upon a certain road then take a different one."

(260)...Ismaa'eel at - Toosee said: Ibn al - Mubaarak said to me: "let

your sitting be with the poor and beware of sitting with a person of
innovation."

(268)... al-Fudayl said: "Glad tidings for one who died upon Islam
and the Sunnah - and if that is the case then let one say much : As
Allah wills (Maa Shaa Allah)."

(270)... al Hasan said: "From the person of innovation Allah does not
accept Prayer, nor Fasting, nor Hajj, nor 'Umra, nor Jihaad, nor
repentance, nor charity."

(271)... al Hasan said: "Allah does not accept anything from a person
of innovation."

(272)... al-Fudayl ibn 'Iyaad said: "No action of the person of

innovation is raised up to Allah."

(273)... Ibraaheem ibn Maysarah said: "He who honours an

innovator has assisted in the demolition of Islaam."

(274)... 'Abdullaah ibn 'Umar as-Sarkhusee - the scholar of al-Khazar

- said: I ate a single meal with an innovator and Ibn al-Mubaarak
heard of it so he said : "I will not speak to him for thirty days."

(275)... al-Fudayl said: Ibn al-Mubaarak said: "I have not seen any
wealth which I despise more than that of a person of innovation and
he said: 'O Allah do not let any innovator give me anything so that
my heart should love him."

(276)... from Ibraaheem [i.e. an-Nakha'ee] who said: "There is no

backbiting regarding an innovator."

(278)... from al-Hasan al-Basaree, who said: "There are three who
have no inviolability with regard to backbiting: one of them is the
person of innovation who calls to his innovation."
(281)... from Katheer, Aboo Sahl who said: "It is said that there is
no inviolability for the people of innovated sects."

(284)... from 'Abdullaah ibn al-Mubaarak said: "The person of

innovation has darkness in his face even if he anoints it thirty times
a day."

(286)... Sallaam ibn Abee Mutee' said: a man said to Ayyoob: 'O Abu
Bakr, 'Amr ibn 'Ubayd has turned back from his opinion !!' He said:
"He has not turned back." He said: 'Indeed, O Aboo Bakr, he has
turned back." Ayyoob said: "He has not turned back - (three times) -
he has not turned back. Have you not heard his (sallallaahu `alaihi
wasallam) saying:"They shoot out from the Deen just as the arrow
shoots through the prey, then they do not return to it until the arrow
returns to the bow - string"."

(290)... Ayyoob used to call all the people of the innovated sects
'Khawaarij' and say : "The Khawaarij have different names but are
all united upon use of the sword."

(293)... Malik ibn Anas said: " Is to be the case that every time
someone comes who can argue better than another that we are to
abandon what Jibreel brought to Muhammad (sallallaahu `alaihi
wasallam) because of his argument?!"

THE WARNINGS OF THE SCHOLARS VIA

THEIR BOOKS OF HADEETH AND KNOWLEDGE
There are umpteen such books and scholars, but I'll quote only few of them

1) Abu Dawood (r.h) has a chapter in his Sunan Abu Dawood (4/197)
titled

ِ ‫باب ُم َجانَبَ ِة أ َ ْه ِل األ َ ْه َو‬

‫اء َوبُ ْغ ِض ِه ْم‬
" Turning away from the innovators (heretics) and having hatred for
them"

And he also has a title called as " Adherence to the Sunnah"*

* Reminds me of the saying of Ibn 'Abbas (r.a) wherein he (r.a) said : When
"Bid'ah (innovation)" is created then the Sunnah dies and this continues until
that "Bid'ah" is living and the Sunnah is dead."

The Shaikh of Aboo Daawood and an-Nisaaee once debated an

innovator who said the Qur’aan is created (i.e. the speech of Allaah
is created) this is what took place.

The Shaikh: Did the Prophet and his successors know of this bid’a?

The innovator: No they did not know of this.

The Shaikh: So if they did not know of this, how is it possible that you
came to know of it?

The innovator: (retracts his statement) No, they knew about it.

The Shaikh: If they indeed did know of it, do you truly think they would not
have mentioned it (in a hadeeth etc) or call mankind towards this
(knowledge) or was that not a possibilty?

The innovator: No they kept quite about it and did not mention it.

The Shaikh: So you are saying that something the Messenger of Allaah and
his companions kept silent about and did not mention, you mention
instead?!

And thus the innovator was dumb struck and the Khaleefah at that time was
so impressed that he supported the Sunnah and ordered those who spoke
about matters our Prophet did not speak about (i.e. spreading lies about
him) to be taken far away from his presence.

[Fawaa-id wa Musabaqaatpage. 173 by Shaikh Ibn 'Uthaymeen]

2) Al Haafidh al Mundhari in al Targheeb wat-Tarheeb (3/14) has a

chapter titled :

"Deterrent against loving the people of innovation, since the person

will be with those whom they love "

3) Imam al-Nawawee (d.676H) mentioned in his book al-Adhkaar (p.323)

:

Chapter : "Disassociating from the people of innovation and the

people of sin"
4) Al-Bayhaqi said in I'tiqaad (p.236) :

Chapter: "Forbiddence of sitting with the innovators"

5)Imam al Laalika'ee in his book Sharh Usool I'tiqaad Ahlis-Sunnah wal-

Jamaa'ah (1/128) :

Chapter : " What is related from the prophet sallalahu 'alaihi wa

salaam with regards to the forbiddance of debating with the
innovators "

so on and so forth

After mentioning similar narrations against bid'ah Shaykh Al-Islâm Ibn

Taymîyah said in Minhâj Al-Sunnah Vol.5 p117:

It is as they said, for if a person does not follow what the Messenger came
with he will act according to his own wishes. Thus he will be one who follows
his desires without guidance from Allah.

Ibn Taymiyyah has a nice passage in one of his books showing that: "In
fact, the kufr of Jews and Christians is because of "Bid'ah". They introduced
new things into the religion and those things took them completely away
from the true message of Musa (Moses) and Isaa (Jesus) Alaihumma
Salam".

So just as the condition of the Arabs during the Days of Ignorance

(Jaahiliyyah) was not rectified except by the coming of their Prophet
Muhammad with revelation from the heavens - which aided them in this
world and which will save them in the next - then the foundation that the
good Islaamic well-being must be set upon in this time, is nothing else but
the return to the Qur'ân and the Sunnah.

In spite of this, this matter needs a little bit more of articulation, due to the
vast number of Islaamic groups and parties that are present on the arena
and which claim for themselves to be upon the way by which Islaamic
society and Muslim rule can be actualized.

SOME MORE GREAT SCHOLARS AND THEIR

OPINION ON BID'AH
  IMAAM IBNUL QAYYIM AL-JAWZIYYAH - war against the innovators is greater
than the war against the Mushrikeen.

 THE ANGER OF ABDULLAH IBN MASOOD (R.A)

 INNOVATIONS OF HAJJ, 'UMRAH AND VISITING MADINAH - By Shaykh Nasir-

ud-deen Albaani

 HOW DO WE KNOW WHAT IS AND WHAT IS NOT A BID'AH?

Question: Is the absence of refuting Ahlul-Bid'ah (the people of innovation) - and

concealing their falsehood and defending them - considered as deception against
the Muslims?

Shaikh Saalih Ibn Fawzaan al-Fawzaan (hafidhahullaah) answered: "This is the greatest
form of deception against the Muslims! Remaining silent concerning Ahlul-Bid'ah (the
people of innovation), and the absence of clarifying their innovation, (Hadha min al-
Gish lil Muslimeen) this is deception against the Muslims

It is not permissible for the Muslim who possesses knowledge to remain silent
concerning innovation and deviance without clarifying it for the people. This is
because if he remains silent, the people will use him as an argument, saying, 'if this
was impermissible or prohibited, then the scholar so and so would not have remained
silent about it while he sees it.' Na'am (yes)."

Allaah said: Verily, those who conceal the clear proofs, evidences and the guidance,
which We have sent down, after We have made it clear for the people in the Book,
they are the ones cursed by Allaah and cursed by the cursers. Except those who
repent and do righteous deeds, and openly declare (the truth which they concealed).
These, I will accept their repentance. And I am the One Who accepts repentance, the
Most Merciful. (Al-Baqarah, ayat 159-160)

IT IS PERMISSIBLE TO BACK BITE AKA

REFUTE INNOVATORS

When you mention a Fasiq (evildoer), explain his faults, so that people may be
wary of him."
[Ref: Kashful Khafa' and Muzeel Al-Ebas for Ajlooni 1/114 no.305;Fatwa Islamiyyah pg
295 Vol 8 ]

statements From the prophet and Allah :

{Allaah does not like that the evil should be uttered in public except by him who
has been wronged. And Allaah is Ever All-Hearer, All-Knower.} [Surah An-Nisaa’ (4):
148]

Narrated Aishah: A man asked permission to enter upon Allaah’s Messenger ‫صلى هللا عليه‬
‫وسلم‬. The Prophet ‫صلى هللا عليه وسلم‬said: “Admit him. What an evil brother of his people
or a son of his people.” But when the man entered, the Prophet ‫صلى هللا عليه وسلم‬spoke
to him in a very polite manner. (And when that person left) I said: “O Allaah’s
Messenger! You had said what you had said, yet you spoke to him in a very polite
manner?” The Prophet ‫صلى هللا عليه وسلم‬said: “O ‘Aaishah! The worst people are those
whom the people desert (avoid) or leave in order to save themselves from their
dirty language or from their transgression.” [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (6054, 6131),
Saheeh Muslim (6268)]

Narrated `Aaishah ‫رضي هللا عنها‬: The Prophet ‫صلى هللا عليه وسلم‬said: “I do not think that
so-and-so and so-and-so (mentioning them by names) know anything of our
religion.” (And Al-Laith (the sub-narrator) said: "These two persons were among the
hypocrites.”) [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (6067, 6068)]

For more such quotes from the prophet (s.a.w) himself, then please
see: http://foodiefahoodie.blogspot.in/2010/03/exceptions-in-backbiting.html?
"

1. Al-A’amash reported that Ibraaheem (An-Nakha’ee) said: “There is no backbiting

with regard to (talking about) the innovator.” [Al-Laalikaa’ee (1/140, no: 276)]

2. Al-Hasan Al-Basree said: “There is no backbiting with regard to (talking about) the
innovator or the sinner who openly professes his evil.” [Al-Laalikaa’ee (1/140, no:
279)]

3. And he also said: “There is no backbiting when it concerns the people of

innovations.” [Al-Laalikaa’ee (1/140, no: 280)]

4. Al-Fudayl Ibn ‘Iyyaad said: “Whoever enters upon a person of innovation, then he
has no sanctity (i.e. protection from being talked about).” [Al-Laalikaa’ee (1/140, no:
282) ]

5. Sufyaan Ibn ‘Uyainah said: “Shu’abah used to say: ‘Come let us backbite for the
sake of Allaah, ‘azza wa jall.’” [Al-Kifaayah fee ‘Ilm-ir-Riwaayah of al-Khateeb Al-
Baghdaadee (91) and Sharh ‘Ilal At-Tirmidhee of Ibn Rajab (1/349)]

6. Abu Zayd Al-Ansaaree An-Nahwee said: “Shu’abah came to us on a rainy day and
said: ‘This is not a day for (learning) hadeeth. Today is a day for backbiting. Come let
us backbite the liars (in hadeeth).’” [Al-Kifaayah fee ‘Ilm-ir-Riwaayah of al-Khateeb
Al-Baghdaadee (91)]

7. On the authority of Makkee Ibn Ibraaheem who said: “Shu’abah used to go to

‘Imraan Ibn Hudayr saying (to him): ‘O ‘Imraan, come let us backbite for an hour for
the sake of Allaah.’ And they would mention the faults and defects of hadeeth
reporters.” [Al-Kifaayah fee ‘Ilm-ir-Riwaayah of al-Khateeb Al-Baghdaadee (91)]

8. Abu Zur’ah Ad-Dimashqee said: “I heard Abu Mushar being asked about a man that
makes mistakes, misconstrues and distorts ahaadeeth, so he said: ‘Make his affair
known.’ So I said to Abu Zur’ah: ‘Do you consider that to be backbiting?’ He said:
‘No.’” [Sharh ‘Ilal At-Tirmidhee of Ibn Rajab (1/349) and Al-Kifaayah of Al-
Baghdaadee (91-92) but there occurs in Al-Khateeb’s report: "So I said to Abu Mushar"
instead of "So I said to Abu Zur’ah."]

9. ‘Abdullah Ibn Al-Mubaarak said: “Al-Mi’allaa Ibn Hilaal is fine except when it comes
to hadeeth, he lies.” So someone among the sufis (i.e. ascetics) said: “O Abu ‘Abdir-
Rahmaan! Are you backbiting?” So he said: “Be quiet! If we do not clarify this, how
will the truth be made known from the falsehood?” [Sharh ‘Ilal At-Tirmidhee of Ibn
Rajab (1/349) and Al-Kifaayah of Al-Baghdaadee (91-92) ]

10. ‘Abdullaah, the son of Imaam Ahmad said: “Abu Turaab An-Nakhshabee once went
to my father, so my father began saying ‘this person is weak’ and ‘that person is
reliable.’ So Abu Turaab said: ‘O Shaikh, do not backbite the scholars!’ So my father
turned to him and said: ‘Woe be to you! This is advice, this is not backbiting.”[Al-
Kifaayah fee ‘Ilm-ir-Riwaayah of al-Khateeb Al-Baghdaadee (92) and Sharh ‘Ilal At-
Tirmidhee of Ibn Rajab (1/350)]

11. Muhammad Ibn Bindaar As-Sabbaak Al-Jarjaanee said: “I once said to Ahmad Ibn
Hanbal: ‘Verily, it is becoming hard upon me to say: (So and so is weak) and (so and
so is a liar). So Ahmad said: ‘If you remain silent and I remain silent, then who will
make the ignorant person aware of the authentic from the defective?’”[Majmoo’-ul-
Fataawaa of Ibn Taimiyyah (28/231)]

12. Shaudhab reported that Katheer Abu Sahl said: “It used to be said: ‘The people of
desires do not have any sanctity (i.e. protection from being talked about).” [Al-
Laalilkaa’ee (1/140, no: 281)]
13. Al-Hasan Ibn ‘Alee Al-Iskaafee said: “I asked Abu ‘Abdillaah Ahmad Ibn Hanbal
about the meaning of backbiting. He responded: “It is when you mention the defect
of a person.” I said: “What if the person says: ‘Do not hear (hadeeth) from so and so’
and ‘Such and such person makes mistakes (in his narration)?’” He said: “If the people
were to abandon doing this, the authentic would not be known from its opposite.”
[Sharh ‘Ilal At-Tirmidhee (1/350-351)]

14. Isma’eel Al-Khatabee said: ‘Abdullaah Ibn Ahmad reported to us, saying: “I said to
my father: ‘What do you say about seekers of Hadeeth going to a teacher who perhaps
is murji’ee or a shi’ee or he has some opposition to the Sunnah in him. Is it permitted
for me to remain silent about him or should I warn against him?’ So my father said: ‘If
he calls the people to innovation and he is an Imaam (or a head figure) in that and
calls to that, then yes, warn against him.’” [Al-Kifaayah (93) and Sharh ‘Ilal At-
Tirmidhee (1/350) ]

Compiled by TFR. All good is from Allah and all the mistakes are mine. May
Allah have mercy on the one who corrects me.