—indeed, he is deemed an innovator, even though, as a mujtahid, his mistake is forgiven.
The aim, therefore, is to set forth the avenues of knowledge, its proofs, and the pathways that lead to what is correct.

Commentary

Here it is necessary to draw attention to this important point: whoever departs from the positions of the Companions and the Successors and from their explanation to something that contradicts them is in error; rather, he is an innovator—even though, being a mujtahid, his error is forgiven. In other words, we describe him as both mistaken and innovating, for every claim in the religion of Allah that is found neither in the Book of Allah, nor in the Sunnah of His Messenger, nor in the words of the Companions and those who followed them with excellence, is an innovative claim, because it is newly introduced. The Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him, said: “The worst of matters are those newly introduced; every innovation is misguidance.” (1)

The same rule applies to doctrinal and theological matters: anything that conflicts with what the Companions and the Successors who followed them with excellence were upon is an innovative view, and its proponent is mistaken. But is that person sinful? This depends: if he has exerted every effort in seeking the truth yet has not reached it, his mistake is pardoned. Hence the Shaykh, may Allah have mercy on him, said: “even though he is a mujtahid whose error is forgiven.”

We now consider two separate issues: the statement or interpretation itself, and the person who makes the statement or gives the interpretation. Any statement or interpretation that contradicts what the Companions and the Successors who followed them with excellence held is a false, innovative statement. As for the individual, we look to his circumstances: if he has done his utmost to reach the truth yet only what he has put forward has become clear to him, his error is forgiven, for Allah says, “Allah does not burden any soul beyond its capacity” (Quran 2:286). He is thus excused for this mistake. This principle is virtually agreed upon, although the Companions sometimes differed over its details; nonetheless, it stands as an established and foundational rule.

Someone may still ask: how can it be said of one who abandons the positions and explanations of the Companions and the Successors that he is an innovator, even though, as a mujtahid, his error is forgiven, as was mentioned