The Foundation of Islamic Purity

This profound hadith from Mishkat al-Masabih 140 establishes a fundamental principle in Islamic jurisprudence: that all religious innovations not rooted in the Quran and Sunnah are categorically rejected. The phrase "this affair of ours" refers specifically to matters of religion and worship.

Scholarly Commentary on Bid'ah

Classical scholars explain that the term "introduces" (ahdatha) refers to innovating in religious matters without authentic precedent. Imam Nawawi clarifies that such innovations are of two types: blameworthy innovation (bid'ah sayyi'ah) and praiseworthy innovation (bid'ah hasanah) in worldly matters, but in pure worship, any addition is rejected.

Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali elaborates that this hadith serves as a great foundation for distinguishing authentic Sunnah from invented practices. The rejection applies both in this world - where such acts are not rewarded - and in the Hereafter - where they bring no benefit to their performer.

Practical Implications for Faith

This teaching protects the purity of Islamic worship from human alterations and cultural influences. It ensures that the religion remains as revealed, preserving the distinction between what is truly from God and what stems from human desire or ignorance.

The scholars emphasize that this principle applies particularly to acts of worship ('ibadat), where the general rule is prohibition unless there is specific evidence of its legitimacy. In contrast, worldly matters are generally permissible unless specifically prohibited.