Q: What is the definition of the people of Bidah (mubtadi/innovator)?
If a person makes his fiqh on the most correct view according to him, and rejects the ijma of the Sahaabah (like for taraweeh,i.e. 20 raka’at but he says its not the sunnah) is he qualified to be a mubtadi (innovator)?
A: Hadhrat Sufyaan Thauri (rahimahullah) said in respect to the ijmaa of the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu anhum) that one who moves away from it then I fear that none of his actions will gain acceptance.
And Allah Ta’ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
Answered by:
Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)