Konsep Bid’ah Menurut Perspektif Muhammad Sa’id Ramadan Al-Buti (1929-2013): Satu Huraian

The Concept of Bidʿah from the Perspective of Muhammad Saʿid Ramadan al-Buṭi (1929–2013): An Exposition

Abstract

The issue of bidʿah (religious innovation) has been widely discussed among Islamic scholars throughout the ages. Numerous discourses have emerged, particularly in contemporary times, addressing the true nature of bidʿah. Among the noteworthy contributions is the discussion by a prominent scholar affiliated with the al-Shāfiʿī school of jurisprudence and the al-Ashʿarī school of theology, Muhammad Saʿid Ramadan al-Buṭi. This is significant because acts of bidʿah are considered prohibited by scholars from both the early (salaf) and later (khalaf) generations. Nevertheless, this stance continues to generate polemics due to scholarly اختلاف (differences of opinion) in evaluating matters related to bidʿah, whereby certain acts are deemed bidʿah by some scholars while being considered permissible by others. In this regard, al-Buṭi firmly maintained the invalidity of bidʿah; however, in many instances, he was not quick to label new issues as bidʿah when addressing emerging questions. Accordingly, this study aims to analyze Saʿid Ramadan al-Buṭi’s thought concerning the theory of bidʿah. It further focuses on the approach he adopted when dealing with issues related to bidʿah. To achieve the objectives of the study, the analysis was conducted using a fully library-based research method, and the data collected were examined through content analysis. The findings conclude that Saʿid Ramadan al-Buṭi was firm in combating practices deemed to be bidʿah in religion. Consequently, he rejected the application of the terms bidʿah ḥasanah (good innovation) and bidʿah ḍalālah (misguided innovation) in addressing disputed issues, as the term bidʿah itself carries negative connotations within society. As an alternative, he proposed a more relevant concept derived from the discipline of uṣūl al-fiqh, namely maṣāliḥ mursalah (unrestricted public interests).