The Difference Between Innovations Like the Muṣḥaf, Tarāwīḥ, and Microphones for Prayer, and Innovations Like Mawlid
Question: What is the difference between innovations such as the muṣḥaf (written Qur’an), the tarāwīḥ prayer, and the microphone for prayer and innovations such as Mawlid (the Prophet’s birthday)?
Summary:
Anything that has a foundation in the Sharīʿah, but a means was introduced to preserve or convey it, is not a religious innovation. Anything introduced as worship without a foundation is a misguiding innovation, rejected.
Answer:
In the name of Allah, all praise is due to Allah, and may Peace and Blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ)
There is a detailed distinction, which we will explain point by point, with evidence from the Qur’an, Sunnah, and statements of the Salaf:
The collection of the Qur’an into one muṣḥaf was not a blameworthy innovation. Rather, it is one of the public interests (maṣāliḥ mursalah) agreed upon by the ummah. It was done with the consensus of the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) during the time of Abū Bakr and then ʿUthmān (may Allah be pleased with them both).
From the Qur'an:
- al-Ḥijr 15:9
“Indeed, it is We who sent down the Reminder, and indeed We will be its Guardian.”
From the Salaf:
- Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 4701
Imām al-Zuhrī said: “ʿUmar ibn al-Khaṭṭāb ordered Abū Bakr to compile the Qur’an, and that was better than what people had done.”
The Tarāwīḥ Prayer in Congregation Establishing tarāwīḥ in congregation during Ramaḍān is a prescribed Sunnah. The Prophet ﷺ prayed it with the people on some nights, then left it out fearing it would become obligatory. When the Companions no longer feared this, ʿUmar ibn al-Khaṭṭāb gathered them behind one reciter and said: “What an excellent innovation this is!”
From the Salaf:
- Sahih al-Bukhari 2010
Abdur Rahman bin 'Abdul Qari said, "I went out in the company of 'Umar bin Al-Khattab one night in Ramadan to the mosque and found the people praying in different groups. A man praying alone or a man praying with a little group behind him. So, 'Umar said, 'In my opinion I would better collect these (people) under the leadership of one Qari (Reciter) (i.e. let them pray in congregation!)'. So, he made up his mind to congregate them behind Ubai bin Ka'b. Then on another night I went again in his company and the people were praying behind their reciter. On that, 'Umar remarked, 'What an excellent Bid'a (i.e. innovation in religion) this is; but the prayer which they do not perform, but sleep at its time is better than the one they are offering.' He meant the prayer in the last part of the night. (In those days) people used to pray in the early part of the night."
This is not a legislative (sharʿī) innovation. He called it an innovation only in the linguistic sense (something new in form), while its basis is firmly established in the Sunnah.
The Microphone (Loudspeaker) for Prayer and Adhān This is a means, and means take the ruling of their objectives. Raising the voice to announce prayer is legislated by text, and the microphone is a modern means to fulfill this legislated purpose.
From the Qur'an:
- al-Tawbah 9:3
“And [there is] an announcement from Allah and His Messenger…”
From the Sunnah:
- Sahih al-Bukhari 631And the Prophet ﷺ said:
“When the time for prayer comes, let one of you give the call to prayer.”
From the Scholars:
- Shaykh Ibn Bāz said:
“Modern means like loudspeakers are not considered innovations, rather they are legislated means to convey the adhān and prayer.”
Mawlid (the Prophet’s Birthday) This was not done by the Prophet ﷺ, nor the Companions, nor the Tābiʿīn. It only appeared after the first three virtuous generations. And the rule regarding acts of worship is tawqīf (restricted to what has been legislated). Therefore, it is not permissible to introduce an act of worship without precedent.
From the Sunnah:
- Sunan Ibn Majah 14
The Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever introduces into this matter of ours that which is not from it, it is rejected.” And he ﷺ said: “The worst of matters are newly introduced ones.” (Narrated by Muslim).
From the Scholars:
- (Narrated by al-Dārimī).
ʿAbdullāh ibn Masʿūd (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “Follow and do not innovate, for you have been sufficed.” Al-Shāṭibī said: “True innovation is that which is introduced into the religion with no foundation to return to.”
What has a foundation in the Sharīʿah, and for which a new means or form was introduced to preserve or convey it (like the muṣḥaf, tarāwīḥ, and microphones) is legislated. This is called a maṣlaḥah mursalah or a linguistic innovation, not a religious innovation. What is introduced into the religion as an act of worship with no foundation (like Mawlid) is a rejected innovation of misguidance.
And Allah knows best.
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