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What is the ruling on hating the people of innovation, bearing malice towards them, wishing for their destruction, rejoicing at their misfortunes, and not dealing with them, while feeling distress, sorrow, and frustration, and experiencing an impact on one’s worship?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

"Only a deeply rooted scholar can apply the description of innovation (bid'ah) and combating the Sunnah. What is denounced in opponents might be a matter of legitimate difference of opinion, and they might even be in the right. Therefore, one must first acquire knowledge and understand the different levels of issues. Muslims may be involved in some innovations, but the good in them may be many times greater than the evil, for they are Muslims and share in the general beliefs and legal rulings of Islam. One must mitigate extremism, love Muslims, pray for their guidance, and interact with them with good character. As for what one disagrees with them on, if it is a matter where disagreement is permissible, then leave them to their own affairs, for there is no denunciation in matters of ijtihad (independent reasoning). But if those matters are confirmed innovations and errors, then follow the legitimate path of da'wah (invitation to Islam) and clarification with gentleness and leniency. If they do not respond, then pray for their guidance, and let the brotherhood of Islam remain unifying among you."

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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