بدعات کی مذمت اور اہلِ بدعت کے استدلالی ماخذ: امام شاطبیؒ کی "الاعتصام" کی روشنی میں ایک تحلیلی و تحقیقی مطالعہ

AN ANALYTICAL STUDY OF THE CONDEMNATION OF BID'AH AND THE EVIDENTIAL SOURCES OF ITS PROPONENTS: A SPECIALIZED STUDY OF AL-I'TISAM BY AL-SHATIBI

Abstract

The concept of Bid'ah (religious innovation) has remained one of the most debated subjects in Islamic intellectual history. Muslim scholars have extensively discussed its definition, classifications, legal implications, and the evidential arguments advanced by its proponents. Among the classical works on this subject, Al-I'tisam by Imam Abu Ishaq Al-Shatibi occupies a distinguished position due to its systematic treatment of the principles governing innovation in religion.

This study presents an analytical and critical examination of the condemnation of Bid'ah and the evidential sources relied upon by its advocates, with special reference to Al-I'tisam. It explores Al-Shatibi's methodology in defining Bid'ah, distinguishing it from legitimate religious practices, and evaluating the Qur'anic, Prophetic, rational, and customary arguments employed to justify innovative practices. The study further analyzes the scholarly principles established by Al-Shatibi for assessing religious evidence and safeguarding the integrity of Islamic teachings.

Adopting a qualitative and analytical research methodology, the paper evaluates Al-Shatibi's arguments in the light of classical Islamic scholarship while highlighting their relevance to contemporary religious discourse. The study concludes that adherence to authentic textual evidence and the objectives of the Shariah remains essential in distinguishing legitimate religious practices from unwarranted innovations, thereby preserving the purity and unity of Islamic teachings.