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The Doubt of Bidʿah Ḥasanah Refuted: Did ʿUmar Innovate Tarāwīḥ? Is There a Good Innovation in Islam? 🎙 Shaykh ʿAbd al-Raḥmān al-ʿUmaysān حفظه الله Did ʿUmar ibn al-Khaṭṭāb رضي الله عنه introduce an innovation into the religion when he gathered the Muslims to pray Tarāwīḥ in congregation? What did he truly mean when he said, “What an excellent innovation this is”? And does the statement of the Prophet ﷺ, “Whoever introduces a good practice in Islam,” establish that there are good religious innovations? In this beneficial and evidence-based explanation, Shaykh ʿAbd al-Raḥmān al-ʿUmaysān حفظه الله addresses two of the most commonly cited arguments used to justify Bidʿah Ḥasanah (good religious innovation), clarifying the fundamental distinction between linguistic innovation and religious innovation. He explains that the congregational Tarāwīḥ prayer was not something invented by ʿUmar رضي الله عنه, but rather a practice already established by the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ, who had previously led his Companions in prayer before refraining out of fear that it might become obligatory upon them. When revelation ceased with the death of the Prophet ﷺ, this concern no longer remained, and ʿUmar رضي الله عنه gathered the Muslims upon an established Prophetic practice. The Shaykh then examines the ḥadīth, “Whoever introduces a good practice in Islam,” explaining its meaning through the very incident that occasioned the Prophet’s ﷺ statement. He recounts how a Companion took the initiative in giving charity to people in need, encouraging others to follow his example. The Shaykh demonstrates that charity was already legislated and encouraged in the Qurʾān and Sunnah; therefore, the Companion had not invented a new act of worship but had taken the initiative in performing an established righteous deed, inspiring others to do likewise. He further illustrates this principle through the example of someone reviving the Sunnah of using the siwāk among the people. Furthermore, the Shaykh cites the powerful statement of Imām Mālik رحمه الله concerning those who claim that there are good innovations in Islam, connecting it to the declaration of Allāh: ﴾“This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islām as your religion.”﴿ [Sūrah al-Māʾidah 5:3] He also reminds the listeners that the goodness of an act of worship is established through what Allāh has legislated, not merely through what people consider beneficial or desirable. Drawing upon the statements of the noble Companions Ḥudhayfah and ʿAbdullāh ibn Masʿūd رضي الله عنهما, he emphasises the importance of adhering to the understanding and practice of the Salaf, following the Prophetic Sunnah, and refraining from introducing newly invented acts of worship into the religion. The central message of this reminder is that the Sunnah is the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ, not a practice established according to our personal desires or opinions. True guidance lies in obedience to him, and reviving an established Sunnah must never be confused with inventing something new in the religion. May Allāh grant us understanding of His religion, make us steadfast upon the Qurʾān and authentic Sunnah, and make us among those who follow the guidance of His Messenger ﷺ and his noble Companions. #Bidah #BidahHasanah #Sunnah #Taraweeh #salafiyyah
