09.

WHAT IS BIDDAH (INNOVATION)

January 20, 2013 at 2:01am
1. Biddat and its meaning.
2. Word BIDDAH in Quran.
3. Are there different Types of Biddah?
4. Dose Biddat e Hasana (good innovation) have any roots in Quran and Hadith?
5. If any thing is not mentioned in Quran and hadith, is it wrong?
6. Did Ashaba (companions of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon Him)) performed any biddat
e hasana (good innovation) and is it still done today?
7. Understanding the hadith If somebody innovates something in deen (religion), then he/she is
accursed."
8. Conclusion

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1. Biddat and its meaning.
........................................
There are so many sayings of Aulmaa regarding the meaning of Biddah according to dictionary
and shariat, i'll write just a few.

a) According to Arabic Dictionary

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Biddat is an arabic word which comes from the root word badaAh. In arabic dictionary it means
to create something new without previous existence.
i) Ibn e Faris writes, "to make something without any previous example is called biddat"

(Mojam Makayees alLughat, 1:209)

ii) Imam Murtaza Zubairi Hanfi writes, "to innovate something that was not in existence before"
(Taaj ul Aroos, 11:8)

b) According to Shariat
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i) Imam Yahya bin Sharf Nav'Vi writes "biddat means to innovate something which was not
performed in the time of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon Him)"
(Tahzeeb Al-Asma wal Lughat, 3:22)

ii) Shaikh bin Rajab Hambali writes "biddat means every new thing which has no roots in Shariat
that will point toward it, but every new thing which has roots in shariat it, it would not be biddat
according to shariat however according to dictionary it will still be biddat"
(Jamia Al Aloom wal hakam, 1:252)

iii) Alama Jirjani writes "Biddat is the innovation which was not done by Ashaba (companions of
Prophet Muhammad) and Tabeen (Muslims who saw companions of Prophet Muhammad), and
neither it is proven by Shariat"

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2. Word BIDDAH in Quran.
...........................................
Make it clear word Biddah is not a bad word or attribute. Infect Allah used this attribute for
himself in Quran.

Allah says

 . :(2:117)
O

He is the One Who has originated the heavens and the earth, and when He wills to
(originate) a thing, He only says to it: Be, and it becomes.

. :(6:101)
O

He is the One Who is the Originator of the heavens and the earth. How can He have
children when He has no wife? And He is the One Who has created everything, and He has
the best knowledge of everything.

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3. Are there different Types of Biddah?
.........................
Instead of writing in my own words, Ill like to post sayings of following Aulmas regarding the
types of biddah.
Imam Shafi
Imam Qurtabi
Imam Al Bahaki
Imam Ibn E Tamia
Imam Ibn E Qaseer

a) Imam Shafi writes:

innovations includes two types. First type of innovation includes such acts that are against
Quran and Hadith or actions of companions (of Prophet Muhammad) or the consensus and
agreement of the Muslim community. These kind of innovations falls in the category of biddah
e Zalala(bad innovations). And second type of innovation includes such acts that are done for

goodness, but those acts should not be against any order of shariat. Those kind of innovations fall
in the category of biddah ghair mazmomah (good innovations). Thats why on the taravee in
Ramadan, Hazrat Umar rz said how good is this innovation means this is something that was
not done before and if it was done before then it would not be bad thing
(Manaqab e Shafi (compiled by imam Bahaqi))

b) Imam Qurtabi writes:

Every biddah done by people can fall in one of these two conditions that either its roots can be
found in shariat or not. If its roots are found in shariat then it should be something that Allah
made mustahib for people and Allahs prophet have mentioned about it. So this biddah will be
good, no matter its example cant be found before, like the works of generosity and other good
works. Performing these kinda things are good innovations. No matter no one have done those
works before. And this thing makes this saying of Hazrat Umar stronger how good innovation it
is. It was a good innovation..
And if that innovation is against the saying of Allah and his Prophet then it will be a bad
innovation.
(Tafseer e Qurtubi (also known as Jamia al Ahkaam ul Quran))

c) Imam Bahaki writes:

Innovations are of two types. First type includes such things that are against the saying of
Quran, hadith, actions of Ashaba and consensus of Muslims. This type is called biddat e
zalala(bad innovation) and 2nd type includes such things that dont go against the laws of
shariat. This type is known as muhadasa e ghair mozooma (good innovations)
(Al mudakhal alil Sunnan al Qubra, 1:408)

d) Imam Ibn E Tamia writes:

Innovation which is against Quran o Sunnah, agreement of Muslims and saying of some
companions of Prophet Muhammad is known as Biddat e Zalala (bad innovation, and the
innovation which is not against anything mentioned above is known as biddat e hasana (good
innovation)
(Fatawa e ibn e tamia fil fikah, 20:16)

e) Imam Ibn e Qaseer writes

biddat is of two types. Sometimes it is biddat e shariah (bad innovation) like the saying of
Prophet Muhammad every invention is an innovation and every innovation is bad. And
sometimes its biddat e laghvia (good innovation) like Hazrat Umar gathered people on taravee
and to continue it he said its a good innovation
(Tafseer Al Quran Al Azam, 1:161)

So its clear that not every time there is an innovation, it must be bad. Just like wheel is also an
invention so is a bomb too. But both are different. They both cant be just right or just wrong.

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4. Dose Biddat e Hasana (good innovation) have any roots in Quran and Hadith?
..
a) Quran
Now we know that bad innovation is obviously not something to follow so we are not going to
talk about it here. Here we are going to talk about the second type of innovation, which is less
understood. Biddat e hasana or good innovation.
Lets see if there are any hints about biddat e hasana in Quran or Hadith or not. First lets see in
Quran.
(57:27): And they themselves invented the innovation of monasticism. We did not
prescribe it for them. But they merely to seek Allahs pleasure. Then they could not
practically keep and maintain that check which was its due. So We paid those of them who
believed (and continued the innovation of monasticism to seek the pleasure of Allah) their
reward. And most of them (who left it and changed their ways) are disobedient.

In this verse of Quran Allah is telling about Christians that they invented the innovation of
monasticism just to please Allah. And even though it was an innovation but the thinking was not
bad. It was to come close to Allah so who ever continued on it. Allah will give them there reward
and who changed their way, they are disobedient ones.

Now lets see what hadiths says about it.

b) Hadith

To surprise of many. Prophet Muhammad (may peace be upon Him) mentioned the good
innovation too as wel as he mentioned bad innovation.

Narratted by Hazrat Jareer Bin Abdullah that Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) said:
..He who introduced some good practice in Islam which was followed after him (by
people) he would be assured of reward like one who followed it, without their rewards
being diminished in any respect. And he who introduced some evil practice in Islam which
had been followed subsequently (by others), he would be required to bear the burden like
that of one who followed this (evil practice) without their's being diminished in any respect.
(Sahi Muslim, vol 3, no 2299)
(Sunan Nasai, Book of zakat, no 2554)
(Ibn e Maja, al mukadma, chapter (sunnat e hasana aw Saiya), no 203,206,207)

So According to this Hadith and the Quranic verse not every innovation is bad. Infect if someone
invented something good then he and the people who will follow it will get there reward from
Allah. So how can we today put everything in a bad innovation category and deny its
importance?

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5. If any thing is not mentioned in Quran and hadith, is it wrong?
..............
(2:158): ..whoever comes up with good on his own, then Allah is Appreciating, AllKnowing.

What people dont understand is that not every action is just Halal or Haram, there is a huge
category of things which are mubah too. Means they are not mentioned in quran or hadith as hilal
or haram but they do exists and Allah gives you reward if its a good act according to the above
verse.
Things that Allah and his Prophet has ordered to do are hillal, and they must be done. And what
Allah and his Prophet has stopped us to do are haram and should not be done. But about things
that both Quran and Hadith are quite. They are allowed. And we muslims are not allowed to raise
questions about those things. Because Allah is not quite cause Allah forgot to mention. But Allah
is quite just to give muslims options.

Abu Huraira (Allah be pleased with him) reported: Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon
him) addressed us and said: O people, Allah has made Hajj obligatory for you; so perform
Hajj. Thereupon a person said: Messenger of Allah, (is it to be performed) every year? He
(the Holy Prophet) kept quiet, and he repeated (these words) thrice, whereupon Allah's
Messenger (may peace be upon him) said: If I were to say "Yes," it would become
obligatory (for you to perform it every year) and you would not be able to do it. Then he
said: Leave me with what I have left to you, for those who were before you were destroyed
because of excessive questioning, and their opposition to their apostles. So when I command
you to do anything, do it as much as it lies in your power and when I forbid you to do
anything, then abandon it.
(sahi muslim, vol 2, no 764)

In this hadith Prophet Muhammad said that dont ask questions about things on which Allah and
his Prophet are quite. Cause if Allah or Prophet will reply you for that thing then it would
become Farz or Sunnat. And we muslims will be in trouble. So take those things as mubah or
allowed.

Now lets see to some other quranic verses and hadiths regarding this.
i. Quranic Ayats:

1. "Oh you who believe! Ask not about things, which if made plain to you, may cause you
trouble. If you ask about them while the Qur'an is being revealed, they will be made plain
to you"

Al Maida (5:101).

In Islam, all acts and rituals are permitted unless Allah has forbidden them. This is because Allah
does not want to burden the ummah as he is Rahman and Raheem.actions about which the Qur'an
is silent, they should not become a subject of useless questioning. Allah's silence is a mercy. If
Allah has not prohibited it, then it is permissible for us.

2. "Those who believe and do righteous deeds, there is no sin on them for what they ate (in
the past)"
Al Maida (5:93).

Again, we are made aware that until revelation deems something haram, it is allowed. Before the
Qur'an forbade alcohol, it was not just allowed but was consumed by the Muslims but, as soon as
Allah forbade it, its consumption became haram.

3."Who has forbidden the adornment with clothes given by Allah which he has produced
for His slaves and the pure foods?"
Al Araf (7:32).

This verse again reveals that no person today has the right to declare a pure item haram.
Prohibition is only proven through revelation.

4. Those who continue to say that acts which the Prophet (saw) did'nt perform are haram,
then Allah announces
"Say, bring forward your witnesses who can testify that Allah has forbidden this"
Al Inam (6:150).

This verse clearly proves that everything is in essence permissible. Only those things are haram
which Allah or the Prophet (saw) decree as haram. If everything had in essence been haram,
Allah would never challenge people to bring evidence against certain items.

ii. Hadees

1. Sayyadina Abdullah ibn Abbas said that "Whatever the Qur'an termed as halal is halal and
whatever it deemed haram is haram and about which it remained silent, this is forgiven"
(Abu Dawud Vol 2)

Shah Abdul Haq Dehlwi, pioneer of the science of hadith in the subcontinent, says in relation to
the above hadith that "The reason why ibn Abbas recited this was to let it be known that
something can only become haram by way of revelation and it was not permitted to make
anything haram through ones own desires" (Ash'atul Lum'aat Vol 3)
Therefore, to say that anything is haram without there being revelation about it is incorrect in
itself.

Imam Shafi'i was asked what 'Kul' meant in the hadith of biddat e saiya, he replied that 'Kul'
meant 'most'. If the Prophet (saw) had meant that all new acts are bad, then why did he say in
another hadith that "Whoever initiates a good practice in Islam and then acted upon it, he will be
rewarded for it" (Muslim)

When tatbeeq (comparison) is done with these two ahadith, it is found that the hadith where
Prophet (saw) said new acts are misguidance actually means that most new acts are misguidance
because the second hadith tells us that new practices can be good. So he who says all new actions
are bad, he has not read the ahadith properly or he hasn't read them at all.

when a nation starts a biddat, a sunnah like that dies.

(mashqat shareef)

mean biddat is something which ends sunnah when done. If by doing something, any sunnah is
not changed then it would not be called biddat.

So all the above-mentioned Quranic verse and hadiths tells us that every act is permissible unless
it is prohibited by Allah or Allahs Prophet. So if you dont found the root of anything in Quran
or Hadith it dosnt means Allah forget to mention it in Quran or Prophet Muhammad forget to
teach it to ummat. It only means Allah and his Prophet are quite on it. And the things that Allah is
quite are forgiven, means there is no sin doing them. Ya they should not go against any quranic
verse or order of Prophet Muhammad. If this very condition is fulfilled then it is allowed.

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6. Did Ashaba (companions of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon Him)) performed any
biddat e hasana (good innovation) and is it still done today?

Before going to this subject let me explain one thing.

Biddat e hasana (good innovation) have 3 categories.
i) Biddat e Wajiba (Compulsory Innovation)
ii) Biddat e Mustahiba (Recommendatory Innovation)
iii) Biddat e Mubah (Permissible Innovation)

i) Biddat e Wajiba (Compulsory Innovation) are the things which according to Arabic dictionary
are innovations but they become part of religion in such a manner that if you will separate them
then religion will be effected in a bad way.
For example aarabs on Quranic verses, to understand quran , the knowledge of sarf o nahav,
usool e tafseer, asool e hadith and fikah etc. None of these knowledge were there in the time of
Prophet Muhammad and his companions. They were developed in later years, which make them
an innovation, but now if you will not get proper education in these, you will not understand
Islam properly. So these are compulsory innovations.

(Al AtaSam by Imam Shatibi, 2:111)

ii) Biddat e Mustahiba (Recommendatory Innovation) are those innovations which again
according to Arabic dictionary are innovations but shariat havent banned them. And neither they
are wajibs. Infect normal muslims do it to get reward from Allah and to get close to him. There is
no sin in not doing these kind of innovatory acts and neither not doing them will effect religion
in any way. But if you do it then Allah will give you reward for that.
For example building schools, building resting places for travelers and celebrating milad. If
someone will not do this innovatory acts, he will not be a sinner. But if someone will do it then
he will be rewarded according to his niyyat.
(Tahzeeb al asmaa walLughat by Imam Navevy, 1:23)

iii) Biddat e Mubah (Permissible Innovation) are those innovatory acts that normal muslims do
because they are allowed without expecting any reward from Allah.
For example eating delicious foods. Shaking hands with aulima.
There is no sin or reward in doing or not doing these kinda acts.
(Al Fatawa Al Haditia by Imam Ibn e Hijar Makki, 130)

After understanding the types of biddat e hasana. Lets see few biddat e hasana that the
companions of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon Him) have performed.

1. Writing Quran in the form of a book. (it was first done in the era of Hazrat Abo Bakar and then
Hazrat Usman rz.
2. Saying the taravee prayer as a group (it was started on the order of Hazrat Umar)
3. Addition of second call of prayer before Juma prayer (it was started on the order of Hazrat
Usman rz)
4. Jahad against the people who refused to pay Zaqat (it was the era of Hazrat Abo Bakar rz
when some tribes refused to pay zaqat even when they were muslims)
5. Banning marriage with non muslims (it was done on the order of Hazrat Umar rz)

There are so many things like that done by the companions. And still in modern era there are so
many innovations we are doing but we dont realize it
For example
1) Building beautiful mosques
2) Adding loudspeakers on mosques
3) Doing dawaa on internet
4) Eating different foods that were not there in the time of Prophet Muhammad.
5) Wearing these cloths, traveling in cars, sleeping on beds
6) Getting knowledge of fikah, tafseer. Principles of tafseer and hadiths to get the better
understanding of quran and hadith to make our selves better muslims.

I mean there are so many things which are actually biddats in there reality but we are doing some
thinking its good and we do some thinking its normal. Now if we will disallow every biddat then
just imagine where our lives would be today.

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_
7. understanding the hadith If somebody innovates something in deen, then he/she is
accursed."

....

Narrated Aisha: Allah's Apostle said, " If somebody innovates something in deen (religion),
then he/she is accursed."
(sahi Bukhari, vol 1, no 2584)

To understand this hadith, we must know what deen is. And who else can tell us about deen
better then Prophet Muhammad him self.
Narrated Abu Huraira: One day while the Prophet was sitting in the company of some people,
(The angel) Gabriel came and asked,
"What is faith?" Allah's Apostle replied, 'Faith is to believe in Allah, His angels, (the)
meeting with Him, His Apostles, and to believe in Resurrection." Then he further asked,
"What is Islam?" Allah's Apostle replied, "To worship Allah Alone and none else, to offer
prayers perfectly, to pay the compulsory charity (Zakat) and to observe fasts during the
month of Ramadan." Then he further asked, "What is Ihsan (perfection)?" Allah's Apostle
replied, "To worship Allah as if you see Him, and if you cannot achieve this state of
devotion then you must consider that He is looking at you." Then he further asked, "When
will the Hour be established?" Allah's Apostle replied, "The answerer has no better
knowledge than the questioner. But I will inform you about its portents.
1. When a slave (lady) gives birth to her master.
2. When the shepherds of black camels start boasting and competing with others in the
construction of higher buildings. And the Hour is one of five things which nobody knows
except Allah.
The Prophet then recited: "Verily, with Allah (Alone) is the knowledge of the Hour--." (31.
34) Then that man (Gabriel) left and the Prophet asked his companions to call him back,
but they could not see him. Then the Prophet said, "That was Gabriel who came to teach
the people their Deen (religion)."
(sahi Bukhari, vol 1, no 49)

So according to this hadith Prophet Muhammad divided deen (religion) in 3 parts. 1. Faith, 2.
Islam and 3. Ihsan (perfection).
So in very simple words if anyone will try to add or subtract anything in these 3 parts. That kinda
innovation is the cursed one. Otherwise Prophet Muhammad said himself that Narratted by
Hazrat Jareer Bin Abdullah that Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) said: ..He who
introduced some good practice in Islam which was followed after him (by people) he would be
assured of reward like one who followed it, without their rewards being diminished in any
respect. And he who introduced some evil practice in Islam which had been followed
subsequently (by others), he would be required to bear the burden like that of one who followed
this (evil practice) without their's being diminished in any respect.(Sahi Muslim, vol 3, no
2299). So we cant think every innovation as evil. Cause that will be contradictory to hadith it
self.

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8. Conclusion
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Therefore, dear Muslims, acts such as celebrating birthdays, Ashoora, Meelad-un-Nabi,
organising gatherings to remember the Mi'raj-un-Nabi (the night journey), are all permissible
acts. The Prophet (saw) or the sahaba may not have performed these acts but what we have to
look for is that is there any where in Quran or hadith that they are prohibited? if not then 2nd
thing we will look for is that are they going against any order of Quran or hadith? if not that
either then 3rd thing we will see that are we doing this to get closer to Allah and his Prophet or
we are doing it for show off? if our niyyat is just to get reward from Allah, then my friends that
act is allowed.

if some thing is not mentioned in Quran o Hadith then its not been mentioned is a permission it
self. Cause Sayyadina Abdullah ibn Abbas said that "Whatever the Qur'an termed as halal is
halal and whatever it deemed haram is haram and about which it remained silent, this is
forgiven"(Abu Dawud Vol 2)
If someone will still insist that they are not allowed then verse 6:150 of the Qur'an pleads
"bring forward your witnesses who can testify that Allah has forbidden this".
Can those people who say that celebrations are forbidden provide us with even one speck of
proof that Allah has forbidden it? They cannot! So, according to Qur'anic and Prophetic
teachings, the celebrations and other such actions are totally permissible in Islam and those who
object to them are certainly astray.

Also, I think the word "biddat" is heavily mis-used to exclude muslims from any activity which
can be used in good way and can help someone to come close to Allah. Like you use computers
and the internet. It was never done in Islam's early days, because it was not there. And so if you
use them, no harm, no foul because many people are using it for knowledge. and only if you will
use it for sin only then it is not allowed.

May Allah bless us all with the right knowledge of Deen e Islam
aamin