Statements of the Early Generations on Holding Fast to the Transmitted Legacy

The eminent Companion ʿAbdullāh ibn Masʿūd—may Allah be pleased with him—said, “We emulate and do not originate; we follow and do not innovate; and we shall never go astray so long as we cling to the legacy.” 1

He also said, “Beware of innovating, of affected piety, and of over-complicating matters; rather, hold fast to the ancient path.”