Is every act for which there is no evidence considered a religious innovation?
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The questioner : If something is considered good, O Shaykh, among the acts for which there is no evidence from the Book and the Sunnah, and we have the statement of 'Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) regarding the area of the Black Stone, where he established the station of 'Umar in Islam and the sanctity of the Ka'bah, O Shaykh, to the extent that it is said, "If I had not seen the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him)..."
The Shaykh : Yes
The questioner : ...accept what some people accept. They consider good the acts they take from their own opinion or independent legal reasoning, for which there is no evidence. How do we find these matters acceptable, O Shaykh?
The Shaykh : We do not find them acceptable.
The questioner : Some people find them acceptable, but...
The Shaykh : Never. Every religious innovation is misguidance, and acts of worship are based on following the Prophet. They are limited to what is prescribed. If it is not reported from the Lawgiver that it is an act of worship, do not do it.
The Shaykh : Yes
The questioner : ...accept what some people accept. They consider good the acts they take from their own opinion or independent legal reasoning, for which there is no evidence. How do we find these matters acceptable, O Shaykh?
The Shaykh : We do not find them acceptable.
The questioner : Some people find them acceptable, but...
The Shaykh : Never. Every religious innovation is misguidance, and acts of worship are based on following the Prophet. They are limited to what is prescribed. If it is not reported from the Lawgiver that it is an act of worship, do not do it.