Bid’ah (Innovation), Part II - The dangers of Bid’ah and their evil effects

The dangers of Bid’ah and their evil effects:The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “I urge you to adhere to my Sunnah [way] and the way of the Rightly-Guided khaleefahs. Adhere to it and cling tightly to it. And beware of newly-invented matters [in religion], for every newly-invented matter is an innovation and every innovation is a going-astray.” (Narrated by Abu Dawood, al-Sunnah, 3991; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Abi Dawood, no. 3851).

Whoever worships Allaah by doing something that Allaah and His Messenger have not enjoined, Allaah will not accept that from him. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) told us of that, as it was narrated that ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) said: “The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: ‘Whoever innovates something in this matter of ours [i.e., Islam] that is not part of it will have it rejected.’” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, Kitaab al-Sulh, 2499).

According to a version narrated by Muslim (1718) he said: “Whoever does an action that is not in accordance with this matter of ours will have it rejected.”

In summary -

• Bid’ah is a pre-cursor to disbelief.
• Making unfounded statements on behalf of Allaah.
• Correcting the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam or
  claiming that he had deficiencies.
• Dividing the Muslim nation.
• Abandoning the Sunnah.
• Igniting disputes among the Muslims.
• Accusing the Prophet of not completely conveying the
  message of Islaam.
• Competing with the Prophets in their prophethood.
• Altering the religion.