Related Articles: Innovation is of two types?
This is what our Prophet ﷺ taught us: that "Every innovation is misguidance" [Abu Dawud, 4607]. He ﷺ did not state an exception when he ﷺ highlighted "every". Rather, he ﷺ stated that "whoever does an action that is not in accordance with our way, then it will be rejected" [Muslim, 1718]. He ﷺ also stated, "whoever innovates in this matter of ours (i.e. the religion), then it will be rejected" [Bukhari 2697, Muslim 1718]. Very clearly did the most eloquent man - the best of the Messengers, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ - emphasise the forbiddenness of innovating into the religion, that the Sahabah used his wordings to emphasise this matter. The great Sahaabi, Abdullah ibn Masood رضي الله عنه, stated: "Being moderate upon the Sunnah is better than exerting effort in something that is an innovation, and every innovation is misguidance" [As-Sunnah by Al-Marwazi]. Abdullah Ibn Umar رضي الله عنه, another great Sahaabi, clearly stated: "Every innovation is a misguidance, even of the people may see it as good" [Al-Marwazi in "As-Sunnah", Al-Baihaqi in "Al-Madkhal ilaa As-Sunan Al-Kubraa"].
Imam Malik - the teacher of Imam Ash-Shaafi'ee - rahimahumallaah said: “Whoever introduces an innovation into Islam thinking that it is good, is implying that Muhammad ﷺ betrayed his mission, because Allah ﷻ says: {…This day, I have perfected your religion for you…} [Surah al-Ma’idah, Ayah 3]. So, whatever was not part of the religion on that day, cannot be part of the religion today." [Al-I'tisaam by Ash-Shaatibi, Similar wordings reported by Ibn Hazm in Al-Ihkaam fi Usoolil Ahkaam]
Imam Ahmad - a student of Imam Ash-Shaafi'ee - rahimahumallaah, stated: "The Fundamental Principles of the Sunnah with us are: Holding fast to what the Companions of the Messenger of Allah were upon; Taking them [and their way] as a model to be followed; The abandonment of innovations and every innovation is misguidance...". [Usool As-Sunnah by Imam Ahmad]
The religion was completed with the death of the Prophet ﷺ. He ﷺ did not fall short in guiding us to all that we need to know regarding Islam. Unlike the case with other religions - there will always be the Saved Sect that will hold on to the pure teachings of the Prophet ﷺ, and highlight to the truth-seekers what is from the pure religion of Islam, and what is not. They will always call people to follow the pure Sunnah and abandon what was not taught by the Prophet ﷺ and his Companions. They are the true preservers of the Religion. They are Ahl As-Sunnah wal-Jamaa‘ah, followers of the Salaf of this Ummah. May Allah preserve those of them who are alive, and have mercy on those of them who have passed.