The Criterion for Religious Innovation

Question:
The questioner asks: Do bid'ah (religious innovations) have different levels and degrees? And when is the person who commits bid'ah to be boycotted?

Answer:
Answer: Bid'ah is whatever is newly introduced into the religion that is not part of it. This is the criterion for bid'ah. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, "Whoever introduces into our matter something that is not part of it, it is rejected." He (peace and blessings be upon him) also said, "Beware of newly invented matters, for every newly invented matter is a bid'ah, and every bid'ah is misguidance." He (peace and blessings be upon him) also said, "Whoever does a deed for which there is no command from us, it is rejected." Bid'ah varies. Some of it expels one from the religion, such as the bid'ah of shirk (associating partners with Allah), and the worship of graves, shrines, and the dead. Some of it is a major sin among the major sins, and some of it is a minor sin among the minor sins. In any case, there is no good in bid'ah, whether it is major or minor. Therefore, the Muslim should avoid bid'ah and restrict himself to acting in accordance with the Sunnahs brought by the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him). As for the reward, this depends on the circumstances. If boycotting him serves as a deterrent for him to repent and leave the bid'ah, then he is to be boycotted. However, if this would only increase him in it, then he is not to be boycotted; rather, he is to be advised. The advice should continue with him, perhaps he will repent and leave the bid'ah.