then he has established a good practice; it does not mean that he has introduced a new act of worship or a deed that Allah and His Messenger have not legislated. The Prophet ﷺ said, “Whoever performs a deed that is not in accordance with our affair, it is rejected,” and in another wording, “Whoever introduces into this matter of ours that which is not from it, it is rejected.” Many hadiths condemn and warn against innovations (bidʿah). Therefore, the phrase “Whoever inaugurates in Islam a good practice” does not signify bringing something novel; rather, it means that he carried out an acknowledged act of goodness and people followed his lead in doing that good, so his action became a good practice.

Question: Does this mean that the practice in question is indeed commanded, but people had neglected, abandoned, or forgotten it?

Answer: Yes. The very context of this hadith makes that clear. A group of destitute people once came to the Prophet ﷺ, the signs of poverty plain upon them. The Prophet ﷺ addressed the congregation, urging and encouraging them to give charity. A man then stepped forward with a purse of money so heavy that his hand could scarcely lift it. After that, the people hastened—each bringing whatever Allah made easy for him—until the charitable donations formed heaps before the Prophet ﷺ. He rejoiced at this and uttered the tremendous statement: “Whoever inaugurates in Islam a good practice will receive its reward and the reward of all who act upon it.” That man initiated the charity and opened the way for the Muslims around him; they followed his example and hurried to give.