Tradition and Innovation: Understanding Sunna and Bid‘a

This course will clarify the meanings of tradition (sunna) and innovation (bid‘a), in both beliefs and practices. By the end of the course, students will possess a broader understanding of how these terms have been understood across the centuries, and will be able to appreciate the differences between novelties that are praiseworthy and those that are blameworthy, and why. Topics will include:

1. The Prophet’s warning against innovation
2. Defining bid‘a and sunna
3. Categories and rankings of innovations
4. Innovations that were accepted by the Prophet, Companions, and Salaf
5. Common misunderstandings and their answers
7. Bid‘a and Islamic spirituality
8. Case studies

Format: lectures, with opportunity for questions and discussions

Audience: adults and young adults