(Madinah is a sanctuary from 'Ayr to Thawr. Whoever introduces an innovation in it or shelters one who introduces an innovation, upon him is the curse of Allah, the angels, and all of mankind.

The questioner : All right; my last question is:
The authentic hadith is: . No, the hadith, excuse me, the hadith is: . Is the innovation intended by this hadith, or the innovation referred to in this hadith, the religious innovations that have no basis in the Shari'ah, or is it every sin, meaning absolute, covering every sin? Does the innovation in this hadith cover every sin?

The Shaykh : No, the innovation is broader than what you mentioned. The innovation undoubtedly includes every sin, whether it is an innovation in worship or in the Shari'ah for which Allah has not sent down authority, or whether it is a sin that the Wise Lawgiver has forbidden. However, the intention is not every innovation, nor is the intention every sin. Rather, the intention is the boldness in displaying the innovation and the boldness in displaying the sin in the Blessed City of Madinah. This is what is not permissible to shelter or tolerate. I think the difference between the two matters has become clear to you?

The questioner: Yes.

The Shaykh : That is, not every innovator is the same, whether the innovation intended is innovating in the religion or committing what the Wise Lawgiver has forbidden. Rather, it is the boldness in displaying this type of innovation or that type of sin. This is what is not permissible to shelter. As for a person who is hidden within himself and is disobedient to his Lord, or one of those innovators who is an innovator, this type of innovation is not what is intended by the hadith.
The Shaykh: The difference is clear, if Allah wills.