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Abstract

The phenomenon of Bid‘ah (innovation) has long been a subject of scholarly discourse in Islamic theology and jurisprudence. Allama Abdul Ghani al-Nabulsi (d. 1143 AH), a distinguished Sufi scholar and Hanafi jurist of the Ottoman era, provides a nuanced and balanced perspective on Bid‘ah and related superstitions (khurāfāt) in his seminal work Al-Hadīqah al-Nadiyyah. According to Nabulsi, Bid‘ah refers to introducing a new matter into the religion that was not practiced during the lifetime of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ or his Companions. However, he does not adopt a blanket condemnation of all innovations. Instead, he classifies Bid‘ah into two distinct categories:

Bid‘at al-Ḥasanah (commendable or good innovation)
Bid‘at al-Sayyi’ah (blameworthy or bad innovation)

In Al-Hadīqah al-Nadiyyah, Nabulsi argues that Bid‘at al-Ḥasanah can be accepted if it aligns with the objectives of Shariah and does not contradict any clear religious text. Acts such as organizing structured religious gatherings, establishing charitable institutions, or utilizing modern means to spread knowledge may fall under this category. In contrast, Bid‘at al-Sayyi’ah involves practices that distort Islamic beliefs, introduce superstition, or lead people away from the original message of Islam. These, according to Nabulsi, are strongly discouraged and often arise from ignorance or blind following. Nabulsi also highlights the spiritual dangers of khurāfāt (superstitious beliefs), particularly when such practices claim religious legitimacy without textual or rational basis. He urges scholars and the general public to distinguish between cultural customs and legitimate religious practices, underscoring the importance of correct understanding (fiqh) and cautious application of religious rulings in contemporary contexts.
This paper explores the relevance of Nabulsi’s classification in today’s world, especially in combating excessive rigidity on one hand, and unrestrained innovation on the other. By revisiting his writings, the study offers a pathway for balanced religious interpretation and a revival of critical reasoning (ijtihād) in the face of evolving societal challenges.