Blind to the Law of Taklifi, Yet Busy Declaring Bid‘ah!

Unable even to distinguish between wajib, sunnah, permissible, makruh and haram — yet quick to condemn other people’s practices as BID‘AH.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

إِنَّمَا الْأَعْمَالُ بِالنِّيَّاتِ

“Indeed, actions are according to intentions.”

Do not simply declare something “haram” just because “the Prophet did not do it”.

In matters of law, it is not merely the outward form of an action that is assessed. Intention, circumstances, purpose and evidence also play a role in determining its ruling.

An action that is normally prohibited may carry a different ruling when there is a valid reason recognised by the Shariah. In warfare, for example, deception against the enemy is permitted, as the Prophet ﷺ said:

الْحَرْبُ خُدْعَةٌ

“War is deception.”

But do not misunderstand the hadith about intentions either: a good intention does not make everything that is haram halal. Betrayal, injustice and taking another person’s property without right remain subject to legal limits.

Before shouting “BID‘AH!”, first answer:

What is its original ruling?

What is the intention and purpose?

What circumstances accompany it?

Where is the evidence that prohibits it?

If the law of taklifi itself is not understood, do not turn BID‘AH into a weapon for concealing your own ignorance.

LEARN THE LAW BEFORE PASSING JUDGEMENT.