The acts of worship now practiced without any evidence are exceedingly numerous. Among them are: pronouncing the intention for prayer aloud by saying, “I intend to pray to Allah such-and-such.” This is an innovation, for it is not part of the Prophet’s Sunnah, peace and blessings be upon him, and because the Exalted says, “Say, ‘Are you going to inform Allah about your religion, while Allah knows whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth? And Allah is Knowing of every single thing.’” [Al-Hujurāt 49:16]. The intention belongs in the heart; it is a deed of the heart, not of the tongue.

Also included is collective dhikr after the obligatory prayer, for what is prescribed is that each person recite the transmitted remembrances individually.

Likewise: requesting the recitation of Sūrah al-Fātiḥah on various occasions, after supplications, or on behalf of the deceased; holding mourning gatherings for the dead, preparing food, and hiring Qur’an-reciters under the claim that this is a form of condolence or that it benefits the deceased. All of this is innovation with no basis—mere shackles and fetters for which Allah has sent down no authority.

Another example is celebrating religious anniversaries such as the Night Journey and Ascension (al-Isrāʾ wa-al-Miʿrāj) and the Prophetic Hijrah. Such celebrations