The Ruling on Dividing Religious Innovation into Good and Bad

Question:
We seek a concise, precise, comprehensive, and exclusive definition of bid'ah (religious innovation) and its categories, given that some who are ignorant of its correct meaning say: "There is good bid'ah and bad bid'ah!" Some even say: "Bid'ah is divided into five categories." We hope you will clarify this issue, and may Allah reward you with good.

Answer:
Yes, some scholars have said this, and they cited examples that do not support what they said.
The correct view is that bid'ah (religious innovation) is not divided, and it is all misguidance, as said by the best of creation, their most excellent one, and their leader (peace and blessings be upon him). Whoever claims that it is divided has corrected the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him). The Messenger says: . Is it permissible for a person of reason, or a person of legal responsibility, or a person who fears Allah and hopes for His mercy to say: "No, not every bid'ah is misguidance"? This is a great and serious matter.
It is obligatory to say as the Chosen One (peace and blessings be upon him) said: . As for the matters they cited as evidence, they are not bid'ah, but rather part of the religion. Establishing schools, establishing heads, establishing libraries, repairing roads, and the like; all of this is what the Shari'ah has brought, and what the Shari'ah has called for. It is not among the innovations, but is part of the religion to which the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) called and commanded. It has no connection to bid'ah at all.