This hadith emphasizes that any religious actions or innovations that are not supported by the Quran and authentic Sunnah will be rejected. While intentions are important, actions must also be carried out according to Islamic guidelines. Worship acts require explicit evidence from sacred sources, while general matters like dress and food are permissible unless explicitly prohibited. There is debate around the concept of "good innovations", with some scholars like Ash-Shafi'i arguing innovations can be acceptable if consistent with Islamic principles and not meant to exaggerate worship.

1. Hadith 5: Rejection of Evil Deeds and Innovations
On the authority of the mother of the faithful, 'Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her), who said: The Messenger of
Allah (peace be upon him) said:
He who innovates something in this matter of ours [Islam] that is not of it will have it rejected [by Allah].[Bukhari &
Muslim]
In one version by Muslim it reads:
He who does an act which we have not commanded, will have it rejected [by Allah].

2. • This is one of two hadiths that encompass the entirety of Islam
according to scholars.
• The first is “Verily actions are by intention...” which addresses the internal
aspect of practicing Islam. Everything we do should be with the intention of
pleasing Allah (swt) and by purifying our intentions we accomplish a great
deal in our religion.
• Scholars say that the acceptance of actions of Ibadah (worship) is
based on the above two conditions:
• The intention - the action should be done with sincerity, for the sake of only
Allah.
• It should be done in accordance with the Sunnah of the Prophet (sas)

3. Good Intentions Are Not Enough
• Good intentions alone are not enough. We must also ensure that our actions are done properly in
accordance with the example of the Prophet (sas) and the guidelines of Islam. Sometimes we may think it
enough to be sincere, without making the effort to ensure that what we are doing is also correct. This hadith
encompasses the second crucial aspect of the practice of Islam, which is ensuring that the outward
performance of our actions is right.
• Prophet Muhammad (sas) began his sermons with the following words, which are repeated in the opening
of khutbahs everywhere, “Verily the most truthful speech is Allah’s Book and the best guidance is the
guidance of Muhammad peace be upon him. And verily the worst affairs are those introduced into the
religion without basis.”
• Ibn Rajab in his commentary on the 40 Hadith of Nawawi noted, “that which has no basis or that which is
not from it,” implies that every single one of our actions and deeds should be aligned with the guidelines
of Islam. This does not necessarily mean that the Sunnah of the Prophet (sas) literally addressed every single
action, but rather that all we do should fall within the general guidelines laid out in Islam.
• Some people think that if they are just following someone else, as long as they themselves did not invent
something, then their action is acceptable. This is not true; every person is responsible for being diligent in
making sure their actions are correct. Emulating and following the Prophet (sas) is a Qur'anic obligation.
Allah, the Almighty says:
Verily, in the apostle of God you have the best example to emulate for everyone who looks forward (with
hope and awe) to Allah and the Last Day, and remembers Allah unceasingly. (Surah Al-Ahzab 33 21).

4. The Difference between Worship and Daily Life
• It is important here to differentiate between worship (ibadaat) and daily
life and interactions (mu’amalat).
• Worship is , the rule of thumb is that something is forbidden by default
unless there is supporting evidence in the Quran and Sunnah.
• We cannot make things up; only the acts of worship explicitly laid out
by the Quran and Sunnah are acceptable.
• On the other hand, non-worship actions (mu’amalat) are permissible
unless there is textual evidence that prohibits them.
• The type of clothing we wear, our choices in food, and many other
everyday matters are left up to individual choice so long as there is no
contradiction in the sources of Islam.

5. Religious Innovation (Bid’ah)
• There is a lot of controversy over the issue of innovation in religion, or bid’ah, and this hadith is
quoted frequently in that debate. It is a complicated topic about which many people are either
over- or under- zealous. While the topic cannot be addressed in a few sentences, here are a few
pointers that give a balanced perspective:
• Imam ash-Shafi’i and others asserted that there is such a thing as a bid’ah hasana, a good
innovation. An example used to illustrate this concept is Taraweeh prayer. The Prophet (sas) did
not explicitly order the people to gather for Taraweeh prayer, but Umar ibn al-Khattab later
established it as a consistent congregational practice.
• The guidelines and general principles of Islam create a broad definition of what is “from it.” Once,
the companions were performing prayer in congregation behind the Prophet (sas). When they
rose from ruku’, after the customary saying ‘Our Lord to You is praise,’ one companion added on
his own, “Good and blessed Praise in multitudes that fill the heavens and fill the earth and fill
what is between them.” The Prophet turned to his companions after the prayer was finished and
asked who had said those words. No one answered. The Prophet said that he only asked because
more than 30 angels raced each other and competed to write down the reward of those words.
• Other examples supporting the above points are Uthman ibn Affan’s decision during his rule to
compile the standard copy of the Quran, and the establishment of schools of fiqh (madhahib) by
many scholars later on.

6. • Shatabi – it’s a invented way in the deen that competes with the Shari
way and person seeks to exaggerate worship in worship and ritual.
More is not neccessariy better
• 3 men who said, I will not marry, I will fast, Qiyyam all night
• This my sunnah and one who deviates from my way is not from me.
• Islam is completed, therefore perfect
• No need to add to Sunnah or Shariah
• Prophet was a perfect Prophet..