المعنى الاصطلاحي

Introducing a new way in the religion for the purpose of worshiping Allah by adopting it.

الشرح المختصر

"Ibtidā‘" (innovation) in religion, whether in beliefs or in acts of worship, is very dangerous. This is because it leads to the loss and death of the Sunnah. Innovating in religion implies that there is a way leading to the pleasure of Allah different from the way that was adopted by the Messenger of Allah, may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him, and his Companions, may Allah be pleased with them. Key characteristics of "ibtidā‘": 1. It is innovating and inventing something in the religion, so worldly inventions are excluded such as all industries. 2. It is not based on a Shariah text, rule, or evidence that proves it. 3. It can be done by adding or neglecting something with the intention of getting closer to Allah. However, abandoning an act of worship out of laziness and the like is not called "ibtidā‘". 4. Innovating in religion is always blameworthy, and nothing of it is good or praiseworthy. Categories of "ibtidā‘": First: "ibtidā‘" in beliefs: such as the false statements advocated by the deviant sects like the Jahmiyyah, Mu‘tazilah, and Rāfidah. Second: "ibtidā‘" in acts of worship: such as worshiping Allah with an act of worship not ordained by Him. It has two types: 1. Primary "bid‘ah": which is related to the core of worship in which one introduces an act of worship that has no basis in Islam, such as birthday celebrations. 2. Additional "bid‘ah": which is adding something to an established act of worship. Addition can be an element added to a permissible act of worship, such adding a fifth "Rak‘ah" to the Dhuhr Prayer; or it can be performing an act of worship in a manner different from that which is valid, such as saying the permissible Adhkār in chorus. Addition can take place by doing an act of worship in a particular time that has not been specified by the Shariah, such performing fasting or night prayers on 15th of Sha‘ban. Praying and fasting are acts of worship ordained by the Shariah; however, specifying a time for them requires authentic evidence. Negative impacts of "ibtidā‘": 1. It renders one"s good deeds worthless, even if they are numerous. 2. It implies that Islam is not complete. 3. The person doing it is an ally of the devil, and is not likely to repent. 4. It is more disliked in the sight of Allah than sinning. 5. Its sin is incessant and uninterrupted so long as the act invented is being practiced on earth. 6. It leads to mixing the truth with falsehood, confusing people, and misleading them.

التعريف اللغوي المختصر

“Ibtidā‘”: starting, originating. "Badee‘": originator and creator, such as Allah is the Originator and Creator of the heavens and earth. Other meanings: inventing, extracting, extrapolating. "Mubtadi‘": innovator. It is derived form "ibdā‘" which is innovating something in an unprecedented way. "Bida‘h": an unprecedented innovation.

التعريف

To initiate within religion something that does not belong to it and was not practised by the prophet (peace be upon him) and his companions, with no sanction granted by God.