Exposing Innovations (Bid’ah) in Modern Islamic Practices
By Khalid Shaikh
Preface
Islam, being a complete way of life, was practiced by the
Prophet ﷺ and his companions (RA) in its purest form. Over centuries, different
groups within the Ummah have introduced practices not based on the Qur’an,
Sahih Hadith, or the actions of the Prophet ﷺ. The Wahhabi, Salafi, Ahle
Hadith, and certain Deobandi/Tableeghi groups are known for labeling others’
practices as innovations (Bid’ah), yet many of their own ritual practices are
innovations themselves.
This guide exposes 40 major Bid’ahs practiced by
these groups, providing clear references and critiques based only on authentic
Islamic sources. It serves as a comprehensive reference for students of
knowledge, researchers, and anyone keen on understanding how innovation in
religious practice can creep into communities, despite claims of strict
adherence to Sunnah.
Table of Contents
- Chapter
1: Innovations in Deobandi / Tableeghi Jamat / Salafi / Wahhabi Practices
(Bid’ah 1–23)
- Chapter
2: Ghair Muqallid / Wahhabi Innovations (Bid’ah 24–40)
- Conclusion
Chapter 1
Innovations in Deobandi / Tableeghi Jamat / Salafi /
Wahhabi Practices (Bid’ah 1–23)
(Bid’ah #1–23 content as previously formatted, exactly
the same as in your last version.)
Chapter 2
Ghair Muqallid / Wahhabi Innovations (Bid’ah 24–40)
Bid’ah #24: Eating Buffalo and Drinking Its Milk
- Claim:
Some Ghair Muqallids prohibit or allow certain practices with buffaloes.
- Problem:
No Sahih Hadith proves any ruling specific to buffalo.
- Verdict:
Innovation based on blind taqlid, not divine guidance.
Bid’ah #25 & #26: Unknown Local Fiqh Practices
- Claim:
Various ritual acts done without proof from Hadith.
- Problem:
Ghair Muqallids adopt Imams’ opinions blindly.
- Verdict:
Bid’ah due to absence of authentic evidence.
Bid’ah #27: Raising Hands During Witr Qunoot
- Claim:
Hands raised when reciting Dua Qunoot in Witr Salah.
- Problem:
No Sahih Hadith supports this.
- Verdict:
Innovation.
Bid’ah #28: Saying Sana and Ta’awwuz Silently in Salah
- Claim:
Ghair Muqallids do it silently following fiqh.
- Problem:
Rasulullah ﷺ did not command silent recitation in such a way.
- Verdict:
Innovation.
Bid’ah #29: Loud Takbeer-e-Tahrima and Silent Muqtadis
- Claim:
Imam says loud, followers remain silent.
- Problem:
No Hadith mentions this.
- Verdict:
Innovation.
Bid’ah #30: Salam Loud/ Silent Practice
- Claim:
Imam says loud, followers silent.
- Problem:
Not in Sahih Hadith.
- Verdict:
Innovation.
Bid’ah #31: Tasbeeh of Ruku/Sajda
- Claim:
Reading specific Tasbeeh in Ruku and Sajda silently, following Fiqh.
- Problem:
No authentic Hadith commands this.
- Verdict:
Innovation.
Bid’ah #32: Sunnah Salah Behind Imam
- Claim:
Sunnah prayers are offered behind Imam in Jamah.
- Problem:
Rasulullah ﷺ prayed Sunnah alone, not in congregation.
- Verdict:
Innovation.
Bid’ah #33: Ameen Loud in Fajr/Maghrib/Esha Only
- Claim:
Followers say Ameen loudly only in some prayers.
- Problem:
Not supported by Sahih Hadith.
- Verdict:
Innovation.
Bid’ah #34: Validity of Salah Depending on Sana and
Ta’awwuz
- Claim:
Some deem Salah invalid if Sana/Ta’awwuz omitted.
- Problem:
No Hadith validates this as condition.
- Verdict:
Innovation and needless restriction.
Bid’ah #35: Hand Placement in Two Sajdahs
- Claim:
Specific placement of hands in prostration.
- Problem:
Not prescribed by Rasulullah ﷺ.
- Verdict:
Innovation.
Bid’ah #36: Conditions of Salah from Hanafi Fiqh
- Claim:
Some Ghair Muqallids follow Hanafi rules blindly.
- Problem:
No authentic Hadith mandates such conditions universally.
- Verdict:
Innovation via blind imitation.
Bid’ah #37: Making Niyyah (Intent) Verbally
- Claim:
Verbally stating intention before Salah.
- Problem:
Not from Hadith; Rasulullah ﷺ made niyyah in heart.
- Verdict:
Innovation.
Bid’ah #38: Arrangement of Janazah Salah
- Claim:
Following complex steps: Takbeer → Sana → Ta’awwuz → Tasmiya → Fatiha →
Durood → Duas.
- Problem:
No Sahih Hadith prescribes this sequence.
- Verdict:
Innovation.
Bid’ah #39: No Dua After Farz Salah
- Claim:
Followers avoid making Dua after obligatory prayers.
- Problem:
Rasulullah ﷺ encouraged Dua after every prayer.
- Verdict:
Innovation, against Sunnah.
Bid’ah #40: Holding Elbows During Salah
- Claim:
Ghair Muqallids hold elbows while standing.
- Problem:
Not performed by Prophet ﷺ; unrelated to any Hadith.
- Verdict:
Innovation.
Conclusion
The 40 Bid’ahs outlined in this guide demonstrate how even
groups claiming strict adherence to Sunnah have introduced practices without
any foundation in the Qur’an or authentic Hadith. These innovations span daily
prayers, Tarawih, Tahajjud, Janazah, marriage, and Aqeedah.
By identifying these Bid’ahs, Muslims can return to the
authentic practices of the Prophet ﷺ and his companions (RA), avoiding
innovations that divide the Ummah. Knowledge of such innovations encourages
critical reflection, reliance on Sahih sources, and sincere practice of Islam
as intended by the Prophet ﷺ.
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