Innovations, then, consist either in doing what the Lawgiver remained silent about, or in abandoning what He has permitted.

The first category includes, according to Mālik, the prostration of gratitude, making supplication in a congregational manner immediately after the obligatory prayers, and gathering for supplication after the ʿAsr prayer on the Day of ʿArafah when one is not actually at ʿArafah.

The second category includes such practices as fasting while refraining from speech, and disciplining the soul by abstaining from particular foods.

Innovations have been introduced only for benefits alleged by their proponents, who claim that they do not conflict with the Lawgiver’s aim or with the established framework of actions.

With this, I conclude the passages I have selected and abridged from Imām al-Shāṭibī’s al-Muwāfaqāt. They were presented over several gatherings, the last of which took place on Saturday night, 28/5/1410 AH.

All praise belongs to Allah, Lord of the worlds, and may blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and all his Companions.

Written by:
ʿAbd Allah b. ʿAbd al-Rahman b. Ṣāliḥ al-Bassām
Makkah al-Mukarramah