Criteria for Distinguishing Sunnah and Bid’ah (Part Nine)
The Ruling on Bid’ah (Innovation) in Religion
Undoubtedly, introducing any kind of innovation in religion is a form of deprivation. As the Holy Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said: “Avoid new things, because every new thing is Bid’ah (innovation), and every innovation is misguidance.” Bid’ah is forbidden in worship; however, the degree of sanctity of the Bid’ah varies according to its type.
– Some innovations are considered disbelief, such as circumambulating graves with the intention of getting close to their owners.
– Some innovations are means of disbelief, such as building graves and praying in front of them.
– Some innovations are sins, such as avoiding marriage and remaining single or fasting under the sun.
Ibn Shatibi, may Allah have mercy on him, states that the sin of innovation is not uniform but varies in degree based on several criteria:
1. Whether the innovator claims Ijtihad or simply imitates others.
2. Whether the innovation pertains to the essentials of religion, such as faith, the soul, the ordinances, reason, wealth, etc.
3. Whether the innovator acts secretly or openly.
4. Whether the innovator invites others to participate in the innovation or not.
5. Whether the innovation is outside of Ahl al-Sunnah or not.
6. Whether the innovation is genuine or redundant.
7. Whether the innovation presents a clear problem or contradiction.
8. Whether the innovation is considered blasphemous or not.
9. Whether there is insistence on the innovation or not.
In conclusion, Imam Shatibi, may Allah have mercy on him, explains that the degrees of sin associated with these innovations vary. He clarifies that some innovations are haram (forbidden) while others may be considered abhorrent; however, in any case, misguidance is characteristic of all instances of innovation.
There is no doubt that Bid’ah (innovation) can be categorized into three degrees of sin:
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