nor was the place in Mecca where he had prayed, or any other site. If the very ground that his noble feet trod and on which he prayed was not legislated for his community to rub against or kiss, then how much less so a spot where it is merely alleged that someone other than him prayed or slept! Kissing or rubbing against any such thing is, as the scholars know with indisputable certainty from the religion of Islam, not part of his law—may blessings and peace be upon him. ⦗1⦘
Innovations in the Sphere of Worship and Drawing Near to Allah
The innovations introduced in acts of worship in our times are many, because the basic rule regarding worship is that it is restricted to what has been divinely prescribed: nothing is accepted without evidence, and whatever lacks evidence is an innovation. The Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him—said, “Whoever performs a deed that is not in accordance with our affair will have it rejected.”
Practices now carried out without any proof are exceedingly numerous, including:
• Pronouncing the intention for the prayer aloud, such as saying, “I intend to pray to Allah such-and-such a prayer.” This is an innovation, for it is not part of the Prophet’s sunnah; moreover, Allah the Exalted says, “Say, ‘Are you going to teach Allah your religion when Allah knows whatever is in the heavens and the earth? Allah is Knowing of everything.’” ⦗2⦘ The place of intention is the heart; it is an inward act, not an utterance of the tongue.
• Collective dhikr after the obligatory prayers, for what is prescribed is that each worshipper recite the transmitted remembrances individually.
• Requesting the recitation of Sūrat al-Fātiḥah on special occasions, after supplications, or on behalf of the dead.
• Holding funeral gatherings, preparing food, and hiring Qur’an-reciters, claiming this to be an expression of condolence or a benefit for the deceased. All of this is innovation with no foundation—burdensome fetters for which Allah has sent down no authority.
• Celebrating religious anniversaries, such as the commemoration of the Isrāʾ and Miʿrāj,