The arguments of those methodologically challenged or attitudinally divergent regarding innovat

Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Question:

I have heard from a lot of people that "everything in ibadat is haram unless there is proof that it is halal" and "everything in maamolat is permissible, unless there is proof otherwise". - Is this also the belief of the Ahle Sunnah wal Jamaah? Or do we believe that everything, regardless of it being in our relationship to the creation or the creator, is allowed unless there's any proof contradicting it? And also, some others say that if a good innovation is taken to be necessary by the participants in it, then it becomes a reprehensible innovation. Is this belief just consigned to them or are we all meant to follow that?

Answer:

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful and Compassionate

May His blessings and peace be on His Beloved Prophet, the best of creation, and his family, companions, and followers

Walaikum assalam wa rahmatullah,

The principles related to innovation (bid`a) are clearly explained in the Sheikh Nuh Keller answer at www.masud.co.uk, and in various other answers on www.sunnipath.com.

If we accepted this ‘principle’ mentioned by those people, then we would have to accuse the Companions of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) of innovation—folly indeed.

It is a grave error for the non-scholar to listen to the words and arguments of those methodologically challenged or attitudinally divergent from the way of Sunni Islam.

And Allah alone gives success.

Wassalam,

Faraz Rabbani

MMVIII © Faraz Rabbani and SunniPath.
All rights reserved
No part of this article may be reproduced, displayed, modified, or distributed without the express prior written permission of both copyright holders. For permission, please submit a request at our Helpdesk.

Now What?

The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, "Knowledge is only through study." While some knowledge can be gained from reading or casually listening to lectures, the best means to gain knowledge is through finding a qualified teacher and then setting up a systematic program of learning. Picking up a book or reading an article and trying to figure things out on our own is no substitute for learning from someone who has a direct link to our living tradition.

Through joining an online class at SunniPath Academy, you can benefit from convenient, online courses that will give you access to reliable scholars and our popular curriculum learning tracks. Knowledge gained in these courses will both build your iman and assist you in putting into practice what you learn. Don't give yourself less than you deserve, register today.

Related Links:

  1. Why you'll love our courses
  2. How SunniPath courses work (video)
  3. What our students say
  4. Our current available courses
Donate Now
Academic Calendar?
Feb 5 Spring Late Registration Ends
March 16 Summer Registration Begins
April 23 Summer Financial Aid Deadline
April 25 Spring Semester Ends
May 11 Summer Semester Begins
May 28 Late Registration Ends
View entire academic calendar

Featured Courses