How can one reconcile the noble Prophetic saying: "Every innovation is misguidance, and every misguidance is in the Fire," with the action of Bilal (may Allah be pleased with him) of adding two rak'ahs after every ablution, and the statement of the Companion upon rising from bowing: "Our Lord, and to You be praise, abundant, good, blessed praise," while the Prophet (peace be upon him) affirmed this?

There is no contradiction between the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying: "Every innovation is a misguidance," and his affirmations of some companions for actions he himself did not perform. This is because the Sunnah encompasses the Prophet's (peace be upon him) sayings, actions, and affirmations. Thus, every action affirmed during his lifetime (peace be upon him) became a part of the Sharia and a legal proof. The blameworthy innovation is that which is newly introduced into the religion without any basis in Islamic law. However, that which has a basis in Islamic law is not considered an innovation in the Sharia, even if it is an innovation in the linguistic sense. Examples include 'Umar's gathering of people behind a single Imam for Taraweeh prayers, and 'Uthman's addition of the first call to prayer for Friday. Also, the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying: "So adhere to my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the Rightly Guided Caliphs after me." Therefore, if a newly introduced matter has a basis in Islamic law, it is not an innovation.