THE PREVENTING OF THE BID'AH (INNOVATION)

[Taqavi]

How Can We Prevent the Emergence of Bid'ah (Innovation)?

 

In a world full of information and diverse sources, one of the major challenges facing society is the rise of Bid'ah (Innovations) and incorrect religious teachings. Bid'ah (Innovations) not only lead to division and discord among Muslims, but they can also overshadow the authentic and genuine values of religion. To prevent this concerning phenomenon, it is highly important to refer to the primary and authentic sources of religion, such as the Qur’an and the narrations of the Ahl al-Bayt (AS). In this text, we will examine the strategies to prevent Bid'ah (Innovations).

 

Referring to the Qur’an as the Primary Source

The Holy Qur’an, as the word of God, is the main and authentic source of Islam that protects us from innovations and deviations. For example, in Surah al-Nisa it is stated: 

"Do they not then reflect on the Qur’an? If it had been from other than Allah, they would surely have found in it much discrepancy."[1]

This noble verse emphasizes that the Qur’an is a divine book free from error and contradiction. If it had been from other than God, it would have contained many inconsistencies. Therefore, adherence to the Qur’an is highly effective in preventing innovations.

 

Following the Prophet (SAW)

Following the Prophet (SAW), based on authentic narrations, guides us to the correct path of religious and moral life. If this obedience to the Noble Messenger (SAW) is realized, it can have a significant impact on preventing the spread of innovations in society.

The Holy Qur’an also states regarding obedience to the Prophet (SAW): 

"Whatever the Messenger gives you, take it; and whatever he forbids you, abstain from it; and fear Allah." [2]

From this noble verse, it is understood that Muslims are obliged to accept whatever the Prophet (SAW) gives them and to follow his commands. As the spiritual and religious leader, the Prophet (SAW) conveys divine guidance and commands to the Muslims, and following him is of utmost importance, preventing deviation and the spread of innovations in society.

Elsewhere, the Qur’an says: 

"Say: Obey Allah and the Messenger; but if they turn away, then indeed Allah does not love the disbelievers." [3]

This noble verse clearly shows the importance of obedience to the divine commands and the Prophet (SAW), reminding Muslims that to attain God’s pleasure, they must follow His commands.

 

Referring to Scholars and Religious Experts

Referring to scholars and religious experts, based on the teachings of the Qur’an, guides us to a correct and precise understanding of religion and protects us from innovations and deviations. The Qur’an states: 

"Ask those who possess knowledge if you do not know." [4]

In general, this verse encourages Muslims that if they lack sufficient knowledge and awareness regarding various matters, they should refer to the people of knowledge and seek guidance from them. On the other hand, the duty of religious scholars is to declare the truth. The Prophet (SAW) said: 

"When innovations appear in my community, it is the duty of the scholar to manifest his knowledge. If he does not, the curse of Allah will be upon him." [5]

This noble hadith explains that the revival of religion, primarily the responsibility of scholars, is achieved through combating innovations and distortions. This approach can prevent innovations in different societies and increase human awareness and knowledge.

 

Importance of Authentic Sources (Narrations)

Using authentic religious sources, based on the narrations of the Ahl al-Bayt (AS), guides us to a correct and precise understanding of religious teachings. One of the most important narrations that highlights the significance of referring to the traditions of the Imams (AS) is the Hadith al-Thaqalayn. Let us examine this noble hadith.

 

Hadith al-Thaqalayn:

Hadith al-Thaqalayn was issued on various occasions and places, such as the Day of Arafah, Ghadir Khumm, and also during the illness of the Prophet (SAW). Though there are differences in wording, the terms “Book,” “Itrah,” and “Ahl al-Bayt” are common in most narrations, with some variations in the beginning and ending. In many narrations, “Ahl al-Bayt” is mentioned to clarify the meaning of “Itrah,” [6] while in some narrations only “Itrah” or only “Ahl al-Bayt” is mentioned. [7] 

According to one narration, the Prophet (SAW), during the Farewell Pilgrimage in the last days of his life, gave this will to his community: 

"I leave among you two weighty things. If you hold fast to them, you will never go astray after me: the Book of Allah and my Itrah, my Ahl al-Bayt. These two will never separate until they meet me at the Pool of Kawthar. So see how you treat them after me. Know that adherence to the Itrah is sweet and pleasant water that must be drunk, while turning away from them is bitter and salty water that must be avoided." [8]

Hadith al-Thaqalayn clearly shows the importance of following the Qur’an and the Ahl al-Bayt (AS), advising Muslims that by adhering to these two sources, they will avoid misguidance and attain divine guidance.

 

Conclusion

From the points mentioned, it becomes clear that Bid'ah (Innovations) can lead to deviation in society and cause unnecessary divisions. By relying on authentic religious teachings confirmed in the Qur’an and narrations, we can prevent the emergence of such innovations. Proper religious education, encouragement of inquiry and research, and referring to scholars and experts are among the effective strategies that can help us in this path. By following these principles, we can preserve and promote the authentic and genuine values of Islam and establish a dynamic society free from innovations.

 

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[1] . Nisā’: 82 «أَفَلَا يَتَدَبَّرُونَ الْقُرْآنَ ۚ وَلَوْ كَانَ مِنْ عِنْدِ غَيْرِ اللَّهِ لَوَجَدُوا فِيهِ اخْتِلَافًا كَثِيرًا»

[2] . Ḥashr: 7 «وَمَا آتَاكُمُ الرَّسُولُ فَخُذُوهُ وَمَا نَهَاكُمْ عَنْهُ فَانْتَهُوا»

[3] . Āl ‘Imrān: 32 «قُلْ أَطِيعُوا اللَّهَ وَالرَّسُولَ ۖ فَإِنْ تَوَلَّوْا فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ الْكَافِرِينَ»

[4] . Naḥl: 43 «فَاسْأَلُوا أَهْلَ الذِّكْرِ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ لَا تَعْلَمُونَ»

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

[6] . ‘Uyūn Akhbār al‑Riḍā, al‑Shaykh al‑Ṣadūq, vol. 2, p. 208.

[7] . Musnad Aḥmad, Aḥmad ibn Ḥanbal, vol. 17, p. 170.

[8] . Al‑Irshād, al‑Shaykh al‑Mufīd, vol. 1, p. 233.