What Is the Meaning of Bid’ah? Understanding Innovation in Islam

Understanding Bid’ah (Innovation) in Islam

In Islamic teachings, the term bid’ah refers to the innovation or introduction of new practices, beliefs, or rituals in religion that were not part of the original teachings of Islam. This includes any actions or forms of worship that are introduced after the time of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his companions, which have no foundation in the Quran or the Sunnah (the practices and sayings of the Prophet). Bid’ah, in this sense, applies solely to religious matters, not to worldly inventions like modern technology or tools (e.g., cars, washing machines), which are not considered innovations in the religious sense.

The Meaning and Impact of Bid’ah

To understand bid’ah, it’s important to distinguish between innovations that are harmful to the faith and those that are considered part of the normal, ever-changing nature of worldly life. Innovations that are introduced into religion with the intention of worshipping Allah or improving one’s relationship with Him are seen as deviations, unless they are directly supported by evidence from the Quran or the Sunnah. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) warned against innovations, emphasizing that every newly introduced practice in religion without clear backing from Islamic texts is a form of misguidance.

An important distinction arises when interpreting hadiths (sayings of the Prophet), such as the one narrated by Jareer ibn Abdullaah. He reported that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “Whoever starts a good thing in Islam, and others follow him, will have a reward equal to theirs, without diminishing their reward in any way. Conversely, whoever starts a bad thing and others follow him will bear the burden of their sins as well as his own, without diminishing their burden.” (Sahih Muslim 1017)

This narration highlights the importance of initiating beneficial actions that others may follow. For example, in one incident, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) witnessed some impoverished people and urged his followers to give charity. When the donations began to pour in, the Prophet smiled and said that whoever starts a good practice will earn the same reward as those who follow him. This reflects the significance of starting good practices that can spread within the community, benefiting others.

The Key Concept of “Sunnah Hasanah” (Good Innovation)

In light of these teachings, some have argued about the concept of “bid’ah hasanah” (good innovation), claiming that some innovations can be beneficial. However, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) repeatedly warned against such innovations, stating that every bid’ah is a misguidance and will lead astray. The Prophet’s statements consistently emphasized that any innovation in religious practices is unacceptable and will be rejected by Allah. He said: “Every newly-invented thing is a bid’ah, and every bid’ah is misguidance, and every misguidance will be in the Fire.” (Sunan al-Nasa’i)

The scholars explain that the Prophet’s clear stance against innovation is a reminder that the religion is complete as it is. By introducing new practices, an innovator implies that the religion was incomplete and needed further refinement or expansion, a claim that contradicts the Quranic verse: “This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you” (Surah al-Ma’idah 5:3). This declaration from Allah affirms that Islam was completed with the final revelation and the life of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

The Consequences of Introducing Bid’ah

When someone introduces innovation into religious practices, it implies several dangerous ideas:

1. Implying that Islam is incomplete: It suggests that the religion needed additions, implying that the teachings of the Prophet and his companions were insufficient, which contradicts the Quranic affirmation that Islam was perfected.
2. Undermining the Prophet’s role: It implies that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) either neglected to convey the new practices or was unaware of them, thus letting down his followers.
3. Distorting the Faith: Introducing innovations opens the door to personal opinions and subjective views, allowing people to justify actions that may not be in accordance with the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah.
4. Impact on the Sunnah: Following innovations tends to weaken the adherence to the original Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH) because as new practices are introduced, they often replace established practices.

also Read: What is the Sunnah?

Conclusion: The Importance of Preserving the Original Teachings

In conclusion, the concept of bid’ah in Islam serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering strictly to the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Any attempt to add or modify the religion is seen as a deviation from the true path. Islam is a complete and perfected religion, and Muslims are encouraged to preserve the practices of the Prophet and his companions, avoiding unnecessary innovations that could mislead the faithful.

We ask Allah to protect us from misguidance and guide us on the straight path, following the teachings of the Quran and the authentic Sunnah. May we always strive to uphold the principles of Islam as they were revealed and practiced by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), without introducing anything new into the faith.