Golden Words of Allah (episode 22)

By Abdullahi Yusuf

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. All perfect praise be to Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, the Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, is His slave and Messenger.

Allah says concerning; harmful innovation

The Quran does not explicitly mention the term “innovation” (bid’ah in Arabic), but it warns against altering or adding to the teachings of Islam, especially if such changes go against established principles of faith. Innovations in the context of Islam typically refer to religious practices or beliefs introduced after the Prophet Muhammad’s time that lack basis in the Quran or Sunnah (teachings of the Prophet PBUH). Here are some caution against deviations or adding new practices not rooted in Islamic principles:

1. Follow the Straight Path:
Allah commands believers to adhere closely to His guidance and not stray into new practices or misinterpretations.
References: The Prophet (PBUH) once drew a straight line on the ground and said, “This is the straight path of Allah.” He then drew lines to the left and right and said, “These are other paths; upon every one of them there is a devil calling toward it.” He then recited, “This is My straight path, so follow it. And do not follow other ways, for they will lead you away from His way.” (Quran 6:153) (Reported in Musnad Ahmad and Al-Darimi)

2. Completeness of Religion:
The Quran emphasizes that Islam is complete and sufficient for guidance, suggesting that no additions or changes are necessary.
Quranic reference: “This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favour upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion.” (Quran 5:3)
Hadith Reference: The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “There is nothing that will bring you closer to Paradise and farther from the Hellfire except that it has been explained to you.” (Reported in Musnad Ahmad) This hadith reinforces that the religion was completed with his teachings and no further additions are necessary.

3. Warnings Against Fabricating Teachings:
Allah cautions against attributing falsehoods to Him or altering the prescribed path. Introducing practices not sanctioned by the Quran or Sunnah may fall under this warning.
Quranic reference: “And do not say about what your tongues assert of untruth, ‘This is lawful and this is unlawful,’ to invent falsehood about Allah. Indeed, those who invent falsehood about Allah will not succeed.” (Quran 16:116)
Hadith Reference: The Prophet (PBUH) said, “Whoever innovates something in this matter of ours [i.e., Islam] that is not part of it will have it rejected.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)

4. Do Not Divide into Sects:
The Quran instructs believers to avoid practices that could lead to divisions within the Ummah (Muslim community), often a result of conflicting innovations.
Quranic reference: “And be not like those who were divided and differed after the clear proofs had come to them. And they will have a great punishment.” (Quran 3:105).
Hadith reference: The Prophet (PBUH) warned against divisions within the Muslim community: “The Jews were divided into seventy-one sects, and the Christians were divided into seventy-two sects, and my Ummah will be divided into seventy-three sects.” (Sunan Abi Dawood, Jami` at-Tirmidhi).
In another narration, he said, “My community will be divided, and all of them will be in the Fire except one.” When asked who they were, he said, “Those who follow what I and my Companions are upon.”(Jami` at-Tirmidhi)

5. Avoiding Excess and Exaggeration: The Quran discourages going to extremes in religion, as this can lead to practices that deviate from true teachings.
Quranic reference: “Say, ‘O People of the Scripture, do not commit excess in your religion beyond the truth, and do not follow the inclinations of a people who had gone astray before and misled many and have strayed from the soundness of the way.’” (Quran 5:77)
Hadith Reference: The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “Beware of going to extremes in religion, for those before you were destroyed because of going to extremes in religion.” (Sunan an-Nasa’i)

6. Following the Example of the Prophet: The Quran urges believers to follow the example set by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), suggesting that adding new practices not part of his way can be problematic.
Quranic reference: “And whatever the Messenger has given you – take; and what he has forbidden you – refrain from.” (Quran 59:7)

Hadith Reference: The Prophet (PBUH) emphasized the importance of adhering to his teachings, saying, “I have left among you two things, which, if you hold fast to them, you will never go astray: the Book of Allah and my Sunnah.” (Muwatta Malik)

In summary, Islam emphasizes adhering to the Quran and Sunnah, cautioning against innovations that stray from these teachings. This guidance preserves the unity, integrity, and clarity of the faith, ensuring that its core principles remain undistorted across generations. By following the Prophet’s example and avoiding additions, Muslims maintain a pure and unified path in their worship and beliefs.

And Allah knows best…

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