What is Bi'dat ? - innovation in religion

What is Bi'dat ? - innovation in religion

Whatever action is not proven by the Prophet is known as Bi'dat (innovation in religion). There are two types of Bi'dat. Bi'dat-e-Hasana. and Bi'dat-e-Sayyia. Bi'dat-e-Hasana is that where it is not against or contradicts a Sunnat. Like, to build mosques from concrete or bricks, or to write the Holy Quran in golden letters, To perform intention with the tongue, to learn knowledge of Kalaam, Sarf and Nahoo (all Arabic grammar), to learn knowledge of astronomy, to learn knowledge of pure mathematics or trigonometry or to preach all this knowledge. It is also Bi'dat-e-Hasana to build education houses (Madressas) like we do today, to perform functions as we do today and to five out certificates and perform occasions like 'Dastaar Bandi' etc. There are thousands of things like these which were not present during the time of the Holy Prophet. They are all Bi'dat-e-Hasana and in fact some are now necessary (Wajib), like to pray Tarawih as Hazrat Farooque-e-Azam (May Allah be pleased with him) stated "Ne'matil Bidatoo Haazihee.." meaning this is a good Bi'dat. Bi'dat Siyyia Qabiha is that innovation that is against a Sunnat or contradicts a Sunnat and this is either Makrooh (disliked) or Haram (strictly forbidden).

IMAMAT AND KHILAFAT -LEADERSHIP AND CALIPH

There are two types of Imamats, Imamat Sugra and Imamat Kubra. Imamat Sugra is the Imamat that is performed in Namaz and will be explained in the Namaz section.

Qualifiers for Imamat Kubra

Imamat Kubra is in relation to representing the Messenger of Allah Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam. Meaning with representation of the Holy Prophet Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam, to interrogate all of the Muslim's social or religious affairs and to have the power to do so. Also to have the power to ensure all the worlds Muslims follow him in the matter of non-disobedience. To have this Imamat it is necessary that one has the following qualifiers; He is a Muslim, is free i.e. not a slave, male, sane, adult, belonging to the tribe of Quraish, one who has power. It is not necessary for one to be from the family of the Holy Prophet i.e. Hashmi or from the family of Hazrat Ali i.e. AIwi or to be Ma'soom (immune from sin), it is also not necessary that one has to be the most virtuous from their nation.

Rule: When is it obligatory to obey the Imam
It is obligatory on all Muslims to obey the Imam when his orders are not against Shariat (Islamic Law), because, one cannot anybody's orders if they are against Shariat. An Imam should be made only if he is courageous, politician and an Islamic scholar (Alim) or works with the help of Ulema.

Rule: A female or child's Imamat is not allowed. An Imam is not dismissed if he involves himself with sin.