What is the meaning of "muhdathat al-umur" (innovated matters) in the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) saying: "And beware of innovated matters, for every innovated matter is a bid'ah (innovation)"? And is it confined to matters of religion only, or does it extend beyond them?

Reprehensible innovations are those matters of religion that contradict the Qur’an, the Sunnah, and scholarly consensus. As for newly introduced worldly matters from which people benefit in their livelihoods, these are not reprehensible and do not fall under innovations. This is clarified by the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) saying: "You are more knowledgeable about the affairs of your worldly matters." Excluded from this are matters that involve imitating enemies.