Most-asked question

What counts as bid'ah (innovation)?

87 fatawa in the archive answer questions on this, from 6 South African Darul Iftas (AskImam, Mufti Online, Jamiat KZN, Azaadville, MUBZ, DU Zakariyya). Below, each Darul Ifta’s answer is quoted word for word from the opening of one of its fatawa.

Based on the fatawa linked below. Please read the sources and double-check with a Darul Ifta for your situation.

Consult a mufti for your situation. Fatawa SA is a read-only archive and issues no rulings of its own.

What the Darul Iftas say

“The Hadith has severely condemned all bid'ah practices. Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said, "Every bid'ah practice (innovation) is misguidance, and every misguidance leads one to the fire of jahannum." Hence, it is not permissible for one to participate in such a gathering.”

Mufti Online — Participating in bid'ah with the intention of reforming · 26 Jan 2019

“What is a reprehensible innovation? Firstly, what is a reprehensible and sinful innovation? It has two essential parts: a) It was not done by the Prophet and the early generations; and, importantly,”

Jamiat KZN — Are Weekly Group Dhikr Gatherings a Reprehensible Innovation (Bid`a)? (1/2) · 25 May 2018

“You inquire about the following issues: Is congregational ‘Ibadah in the last ten days of Ramadan to find Laylatul Qadr bid’ah? Are women allowed to pray Taraweeh Salah in a Masjid or with a jamaat?”

AskImam — Is congregational ‘Ibadaah in the last ten days of Ramadan Bid’ah? · 12 Apr 2023

“Bidʿah refers to introducing new practices into dīn and considering it, or permissible acts to be a necessity that must be done. Bidʿah carries a negative connotation because it implies tampering with the divine system of Allāh ﷻ. Allāh ﷻ emphasizes the perfection and completeness of Islām in the Qur’ān:”

MUBZ — Mawlid & Bidʿah · 20 Feb 2025

Quotes are the opening words of each answer as published; the full answer, its conditions and references are on the fatwa page. Answers depend on the exact details of each question.

Read the fatawa

  1. Muharram Innovations Azaadville · 1 Jul 2025
  2. Is Reading 40 Durood Bid’ah AskImam · 16 May 2025
  3. Mawlid & Bidʿah MUBZ · 20 Feb 2025
  4. Participating in bid'ah with the intention of reforming Mufti Online · 26 Jan 2019
  5. Is using tasbeeh a bidah Jamiat KZN · 14 Apr 2015
  6. An explanation of bid‛ah DU Zakariyya
  7. I heard that the six Shawwaal fasts are Bid'ah AskImam · 1 May 2023
  8. Committing a bid'ah Mufti Online · 5 Nov 2014
  9. Is using tasbeeh a bidah and can it be given as a gift? Jamiat KZN · 1 Apr 2014
  10. Is congregational ‘Ibadaah in the last ten days of Ramadan Bid’ah? AskImam · 12 Apr 2023
  11. Bid'ah Mufti Online · 2 Oct 2014
  12. Is the Virtue Of 15th of Sha’ban Proven, or is it a Bidáh (Innovation)? Jamiat KZN · 4 Apr 2020
  13. Is tasawwuf a bid'ah? AskImam · 25 May 2020
  14. Definition and classification of bid'ah Mufti Online · 3 Jun 2013
  15. Are Weekly Group Dhikr Gatherings a Reprehensible Innovation (Bid`a)? (1/2) Jamiat KZN · 25 May 2018

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