‘The default ruling concerning things is permissibility.’

As for means that are prescribed by the Sharia, it is not enough for their use that the Wise Lawgiver has not forbidden them—as many people imagine. Rather, there must be an explicit textual proof that establishes their lawfulness and commendation, for commendation is something over and above mere permissibility: it is an act through which one seeks closeness to Allah. Acts of devotion cannot be validated solely by the absence of a prohibition. Hence some of the early Muslims said, “Any act of worship that the Companions of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) did not practise, do not practise it yourselves.” This principle is derived from the well-known hadiths that condemn introducing innovations into the religion.

For this reason Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah (may Allah have mercy on him) stated: “The default ruling in acts of worship is prohibition unless there is a scriptural text, whereas the default ruling in customary matters is permissibility unless there is a scriptural text.”

Commit this principle to memory, for it is extremely important and will help you discern the truth in matters over which people differ.