INNOVATION (BID'AH) IN THE NARRATIONS

[Taqavi]

How Innovation (Bid‘ah) Is Described in the Narrations?

 

In many books of hadith, there are numerous narrations concerning Bid‘ah that describe it as a great sin and a manifest prohibition, urging Muslims to strictly avoid it. These narrations summarize that every form of Bid‘ah in religion must be avoided, for every Bid‘ah leads to misguidance.

Innovation in Shia Narrations

In Shia narrations, introducing innovations into religion is strongly forbidden, and innovators are described as those who have deviated from the path of truth. 

Imam al-Sadiq (AS) said: “Do not associate or sit with the people of innovation, for in the eyes of others you will be regarded as one of them; the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: A person follows the religion of his companion.”[1]

This narration from Imam al-Sadiq (AS) emphasizes avoiding companionship and friendship with those who innovate in religion, as such associations can cause others to see you as one of them and may negatively influence your faith and beliefs.

Imam Ali (AS) also said: “No innovation is ever introduced except that a Sunnah is abandoned because of it. Therefore, beware of innovations and do not leave the straight and clear path; for the firmly rooted ancient traditions of Islam are the best matters, and innovations are the worst deeds!” [2]

The Prophet (SAW) said: “When you see a person of innovation, confront him harshly.” [3] In another narration, he said: “Whoever goes to an innovator and shows him respect has indeed contributed to the destruction of Islam.” [4] 

Imam al-Sadiq (AS) also said: “Whoever smiles at an innovator has aided him in the destruction of his religion.” [5]

These narrations emphasize that when encountering an innovator, one should respond firmly to prevent the spread of innovation and deviation in religion. This recommendation aims to safeguard the authenticity and integrity of religion and to prevent the distortion of divine teachings. It shows the dangers and negative consequences of supporting or approving innovators and stresses the need to avoid any form of association or respect that may legitimize them, thereby preserving the purity of the faith.

Innovation in Sunni Narrations

In Sunni narrations, innovation is likewise considered a deviation from the Prophet’s Sunnah and the core teachings of Islam and is consistently condemned. For example, Ibn Majah and Ahmad ibn Hanbal narrate from the Prophet (SAW) that every innovation leads to misguidance, and no people ever introduce an innovation without abandoning a Sunnah in its place. [6] This statement highlights the importance of preserving authentic traditions and avoiding unfounded novelty in religious matters. 

In another narration, Aisha reported that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: “Whoever introduces something into this religion that does not belong to it, it shall be rejected.” [7]

The Prophet (SAW) also said in another narration: “Whoever establishes a good practice in Islam and it is followed after him will receive a reward equal to that of those who act upon it, without their reward being diminished in the least. And whoever establishes an evil practice in Islam and it is followed after him will bear a burden equal to that of those who act upon it, without their burden being reduced.” [8] This hadith illustrates the value of establishing righteous traditions and the need to avoid reprehensible innovations.

Conclusion

Innovation (bid‘ah) is one of the essential and sensitive issues in Islam, consistently stressed in both Shia and Sunni narrations. Introducing innovation into religion is condemned as a harmful act that leads to deviation from the true path and abandonment of sacred traditions. Numerous narrations from the Prophet (SAW) and the infallible Imams (AS) highlight the importance of avoiding innovation and preserving the purity and authenticity of religion. According to these narrations, the only right path in religion is adhering firmly to authentic teachings and traditions while avoiding baseless innovations. These emphases are meant to protect the faith and prevent deviation and distortion of divine teachings.

 

 

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[1] . al-Kāfī, al‑Shaykh al‑Kulaynī, vol. 2, p. 375.

[2] . Nahj al‑Balāghah, khuṭbah (sermon) 145, p. 202 / Biḥār al‑Anwār, al‑ʿAllāmah al‑Majlisī, vol. 2, p. 264.

[3] . Kanz al‑ʿUmmāl fī Sunan al‑Aqwāl wa‑l‑Afʿāl, al‑Muttaqī al‑Hindī, vol. 1, p. 388.

[4] . al‑Kāfī, al‑Shaykh al‑Kulaynī, vol. 1, p. 54.

[5] . Biḥār al‑Anwār, al‑ʿAllāmah al‑Majlisī, vol. 47, p. 217.

[6] . Sunan Ibn Mājah, Ibn Mājah, vol. 1, p. 17 / Musnad Aḥmad, Aḥmad ibn Ḥanbal, vol. 28, p. 375.

[7] . Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, Muslim, vol. 3, p. 1343.

[8] . Ibid, vol. 4, p. 2059.