Benefits from the Hadeeth of Innovated Deeds being Rejected

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“He who innovates something in this matter of ours [i.e. Islaam] that is not from it will have it rejected [by Allaah]”. [Related by al-Bukhaari and Muslim]

Shaykh Sa’d bin Naasir ash-Shithree [May Allaah Preserve him]

Former Member of Permanent Committee of Senior Scholars

Innovation can occur in various ways. It can occur from any of the following, innovating by specifying:

1) a time of doing an act of worship 2) a place of worship 3) a manner of worship 4) a type of worship 5) adding a new amount or specifying a certain number 6) a reason for doing an act of worship.

Acts of worship that we are not allowed to do are of three types:

1) That which is forbidden in origin, meaning that act if forbidden in origin and innovation

2) Doing an act of worship which is permissible or recommended in origin but becomes an innovation and Haraam because of a reason. Some scholars held the opinion that if one does an act of worship and he fulfils the pillars and conditions, then the act of worship is correct and rewarded but not accepted because the reason for doing it has no evidence. However, the majority of the scholars say that doing acts of worship must comply with the manner it is done and the reason for doing it otherwise the act of worship will be an innovation and rejected.

e.g. fasting on the day of ‘Eid is not permissible, this is an innovation, rejected and not rewarded. But according to the first view mentioned above, the act of fasting on ‘Eid day is correct but there is no reward as they reason has no evidence.

3) That the act of worship is done for a particular reason thus we can’t do this at of worship without this reason, otherwise it would be an innovation.

Some scholars held the view that if an act of worship is done correctly then the act is correct, rewarded and accepted with Allaah. However, others have stated that if it is done due to a particular reason then this falls under the definition of being an innovation.

For example, if one was to pray on a piece of land that was stolen from someone else, this act of worship would be correct with some scholars as there is no evidence to suggest that this act of worship has been nullified. However, Imaam Ahmad stated this deed is not correct and rejected as he has prayed on a piece of land for a reason which is not allowed.

 
[Taken from the Explanation of Nawawee’s Forty Hadeeth]