So I say: there is no way to draw near to Allah except through what He Himself has prescribed. I would also like to remind you of something that—in my view—is vitally important for establishing and reinforcing the principle that “every innovation is misguidance.” There is absolutely no room for subjective approval.

Some of the early Muslims used to say, “No innovation is introduced without a sunnah being extinguished.” I can almost touch the truth of this statement with my own hand, for I have traced many of these newly-invented practices and seen how often they run counter to what has come from the Messenger ﷺ.

When people of real knowledge and virtue pick up the mushaf to recite, you will never see them kiss it; instead, they act on what it contains. As for the masses—whose emotions lack any proper restraint—they say, “What harm is there in it?” while knowing nothing of its teachings. And so we repeat: no innovation is introduced without a sunnah being extinguished.

A similar example is another innovation we observe: people—even open sinners who still have a trace of faith in their hearts—stand up the moment they hear the call to prayer. Ask them, “Why are you standing?” and they respond, “Out of reverence for Allah, the Almighty!” Yet they do not go to the mosque; they stay where they are, continuing to play dice (nard) and chess.