BIDʿAH (بدعة)
Definition
Bidʿah (بدعة) refers to any novelty or innovation introduced into the religious practices of Islam. It often carries a negative connotation, implying heresy or deviation from the established religious tenets and traditions. Bidʿah encompasses practices and beliefs that were not originally part of Islam during the time of the Prophet Muhammad and subsequent generations of early Muslims (Salaf).
Etymology
The term Bidʿah is derived from the Arabic root ب-د-ع (B-D-ʿ), which essentially means to create without precedent. It is closely related to the term badiʿ (البديع), which is one of the 99 names of Allah, meaning the Originator or the Innovator.
- Arabic: بدعة (Bidʿah)
- Turkish: Bid‘at
Types of Bidʿah
Islamic scholars typically categorize Bidʿah into two main types:
1. Bidʿah Ḥasanah (بدعة حسنة)
This refers to “good innovation,” which signifies practices that are positive and beneficial, aligned with the spirit of Islam, and do not contradict its teachings. These are generally accepted as long as they support the objectives of Sharia (Maqasid al-Sharia), such as the compilation of the Qur’an or the construction of schools.
2. Bidʿah Sayyi’ah (بدعة سيئة)
This denotes “bad innovation,” which involves practices that deviate from Islamic teachings and are considered heretical. These innovations are viewed as harmful, leading believers astray from the orthodox faith.
Implications in Islamic Thought
The concept of Bidʿah is significant in Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh) and theology (Aqidah). Traditional scholars warn against unnecessary innovations as they can lead to disunity (Schism) within the Muslim Ummah (community). The prophetic tradition emphasizes sticking to the original practices, as reflected in the hadith narrated by Aisha (RA): “Whoever innovates something in this matter of ours [Islam] that is not part of it will have it rejected” (Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim).
Recommended Books for Further Studies
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“Islamic Revivalism: The Case of the Jamaat-i-Islami” by Charles J. Adams
- A comprehensive study of Islamic revivalist movements and the concept of Bidʿah within them.
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“Innovation in Islam: Tradition and Contribution” edited by Mehran Kamrava
- This book explores the broader scope and nuances of Bidʿah across Islamic intellectual history.
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“The Fundamentals of Islamic Jurisprudence” (Usul al-Fiqh) by Mohammad Hashim Kamali
- Offers insights into how Islamic law treats innovation and the principles guiding its acceptance or rejection.
Takeaways and Conclusion
- Bidʿah (بدعة) is a critical concept that helps maintain the purity and authenticity of Islamic practices.
- It can be categorized into positive or negative, with the former supporting the objectives of Sharia and the latter being seen as heretical.
- Understanding Bidʿah requires thorough knowledge of Islamic jurisprudence and the historical context of religious practices.
The rigorous approach to innovation ensures that the practices and beliefs in the Islamic faith remain aligned with the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad and the early generations of Muslims, preserving the fundamental aspects of the religion.
