What is the reference for this narration on the risks of associating with an innovator?
Sufyan Thawri (rahimahullah) said:
“Whoever associates with an innovator puts himself at risk of one of three things:
1) That he cause trouble for others [his association with this person can be understood by others as his endorsement of incorrect actions or beliefs].
2) That one of these incorrect actions or beliefs would appeal to him, cause him to err, and lead him to Jahannam.
3) That he is driven to say, “I take an oath on Allah, I do not care what they [the righteous] are saying about him [the innovator with which he is keeping company]. I can take care of my own Din.”
Whoever relies on himself [instead of relying on Allah] to care of his Din will be stripped of it.”
Answer
This narration of Sufyan Thawri (rahimahullah) is recorded in Al Bida’ Wan Nahyu ‘Anha of Imam Ibn Waddah Al Qurtubi (rahimahullah). Imam Shatibi (rahimahullah) and others have also cited it.
(Al Bida’ Wan Nahyu ‘Anha, Hadith: 120, Al I’tisam, vol. 1 pg. 227)
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar