Definition
Bidʿah (بدعة): In Islam, Bidʿah refers to innovation or novelty within the context of religion. It often carries a negative connotation as it implies introducing changes to the fundamental aspects of faith as originally established.
Etymology
The term “Bidʿah” originates from the Arabic root word “B-D-ʿ,” which means to invent or create something novel. Historically, it conveys the idea of something new that is not based on any pre-existing model or precedent.
Background
In Islamic theology and jurisprudence, the concept of Bidʿah is complex. It can be categorized primarily into two types:
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Bidʿah Ḥasanah (بدعة حسنة - Good Innovation): Includes beneficial innovations that align with the core values of Islam but were not practiced by the Prophet Muhammad. For instance, the compilation of the Qurʾān in book form after the Prophet’s death.
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Bidʿah Sayi’ah (بدعة سيئة - Bad Innovation): Refers to negative innovations that deviate from Islamic teachings, leading to practices considered sinful or heretical.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
Sunni Perspective
- Sunnis generally regard Bidʿah in a stricter sense, emphasizing adherence to religious traditions established during the time of the Prophet Muhammad and the first four caliphs.
Shia Perspective
- Shias may have a more flexible view of Bidʿah. Innovations improving religious life or supporting Shia doctrine might not be automatically condemned, provided they align with the overarching objectives of Sharia.
Synonyms
- Ibtidāʿ (ابتداع): A term also referring to innovation but lacks the religious context often associated with Bidʿah.
- Mukhtaraʿ (مخترع): Another synonym but more secular, related to inventions in general life.
Antonyms
- Sunnah (سنة): Traditions or practices established by the Prophet Muhammad, representing adherence to the original teachings of Islam.
- Taqleed (تقليد): Following established norms and traditional practices without introducing new elements.
Related Terms
- Sharia (شريعة): Islamic law derived from the Qurʾān and Hadith which provides the framework within which Bidʿah is judged.
- Ijma’ (إجماع): Consensus among Islamic scholars that can help distinguish which innovations might be permissible.
- Ijtihad (اجتهاد): Independent reasoning employed by scholars to make decisions on new issues, showing a balance between tradition and innovation.
Exciting Facts
- Some Schools of Thought Recognize Bidʿah in a Positive Light: Especially if the innovation helps to preserve or propagate core Islamic values.
- Historical Instances: Usage of loudspeakers in prayer calls (Adhan) and establishing universities were initially considered Bidʿah but later accepted widely.
- Complexity and Debates: Across Islamic history, numerous debates have existed regarding what constitutes permissible versus impermissible innovations.
Quotations
From Notable Islamic Scholars
“Every newly-introduced matter (in religion) is Bidʿah, and every Bidʿah is misguidance, and every misguidance leads to Hellfire.”
— Prophet Muhammad (Hadith)
“The good Bidʿah that has been introduced is from the best of matters.”
— Umar ibn Al-Khattab, the second Caliph.
Suggested Literature
- Al-Ghazali’s “Ihya Ulum al-Din” (The Revival of Religious Sciences)
- Imam Malik’s “Muwatta”
- Taqi Usmani’s “Making Islamic Law”
- Yusuf Al-Qaradawi’s “Islamic Awakening Between Rejection and Extremism”
Reference
- The Qurʾān. Translation by M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
- Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim: Leading compilations of Hadith.
- “Fiqh-us-Sunnah” by As-Sayyid Abu Bakr Jabir Al-Jaza’iri.
May our understanding lead to greater wisdom and our innovations resonate with divine purpose. — Dr. Harun Al-Mustafa, 2023-10-04
