Can the goodness of innovation (bidʻah) in religion be deduced from the two verses: "And monasticism, they innovated it" and "That is because among them are priests and monks"? And is this the evidence of Imam Al-Shafiʻi in dividing innovation into good and reprehensible? If not, then what is his evidence?

Scholars have differed in their interpretation of the verse: "and monasticism, which they innovated." (Quran 57:27) and how Allah praised the Christians with it, despite condemning monasticism. Some scholars are of the view that the praise was in contrast to the severity and harshness of the Jews, and not an absolute praise for monasticism. They believe that Allah praised those among them who believed in Muhammad (peace be upon him).

The monasticism mentioned in the Quran was not praised absolutely; rather, it was praised in a specific context, which was in contrast to the Jews. This does not align with endorsing innovations (bid'ah), as innovations are condemned absolutely.

Some scholars who divide innovations into the five legal categories do not include religious innovations in this classification; instead, they refer to matters such as building bridges and writing books.

Imam Shafi'i's argument for categorizing innovations was not based on what was mentioned; rather, he cited Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) saying, "What a good innovation this is."