Restricting absolute dhikr to a specific state, time, or place is a religious innovation, with examples
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The Shaykh : If an absolute mention of dhikr is restricted by a person to a specific state, place, or time for which the Shari'ah has not provided a basis, it becomes a bid'ah (religious innovation). This is not because of its original essence, but because of its restriction to this time, this place, or this state. For worship, my brothers, worship is restricted by what the Shari'ah has established regarding its essence and its description. For example, if someone says, "The sending of blessings upon the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) is prescribed at all times," we would say, yes or no? Yes. If he then wants to make the sending of blessings upon the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) occur specifically when eating, so that when food is brought he says, "Bismillah, O Allah, send blessings upon Muhammad," what do we say to him? Did he do right or wrong?
The student: He did wrong.
The Shaykh : Did he do right or wrong?
The student: He did wrong.
The Shaykh : In what way? He did wrong in saying "Bismillah," but he did right in saying "O Allah, send blessings upon Muhammad."
The student: The opposite.
The Shaykh : The opposite: He did right in saying "Bismillah" and did wrong in saying "O Allah, send blessings upon Muhammad." Do you understand? Although sending blessings upon the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) is among the best of deeds and is prescribed at all times. So, the command to remember Allah is general, encompassing the heart, the limbs, and the tongue. Then, dhikr is of two types: a restricted type and an absolute type. The absolute type cannot be restricted except by evidence from the Shari'ah.
The student: He did wrong.
The Shaykh : Did he do right or wrong?
The student: He did wrong.
The Shaykh : In what way? He did wrong in saying "Bismillah," but he did right in saying "O Allah, send blessings upon Muhammad."
The student: The opposite.
The Shaykh : The opposite: He did right in saying "Bismillah" and did wrong in saying "O Allah, send blessings upon Muhammad." Do you understand? Although sending blessings upon the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) is among the best of deeds and is prescribed at all times. So, the command to remember Allah is general, encompassing the heart, the limbs, and the tongue. Then, dhikr is of two types: a restricted type and an absolute type. The absolute type cannot be restricted except by evidence from the Shari'ah.