Bid‘ah

Definition

A newly introduced way in the religion, resembling the Sharī‘ah, by which one intends to draw closer to Allah — without basis from the Qur'an, Sunnah, or practice of the Salaf. The Prophet ﷺ said: 'Every innovation is misguidance, and every misguidance is in the Fire.' (Muslim, Nasā'ī)

Pronunciation: BID-‘ah

Etymology & Root

From the root ب-د-ع (b-d-‘), meaning 'to originate without precedent.' Hence Allah is al-Badī‘ — Originator of the heavens and earth.

Usage in the Sunnah

'Whoever introduces into this affair of ours that which is not from it, it is rejected.' (Bukhārī 2697, Muslim 1718) — the principle by which every innovation is judged.

Scholarly Notes

Imām ash-Shāṭibī's al-I‘tiṣām is the foundational work defining and refuting bid‘ah. He established that no division of bid‘ah into 'good' and 'bad' is valid in matters of worship — every innovation in worship is misguidance.

Common Misconceptions

Some confuse worldly innovations (cars, microphones) with religious innovations. The hadith addresses only what is introduced into the religion as worship — not permissible worldly affairs which fall under original permissibility.

Practical Application

Before any act of worship, ask: 'Did the Prophet ﷺ or his Companions do this — in this form, on this occasion, with this intent?' If not, leave it. The Sunnah is sufficient.

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