Tradition and Innovation: Understanding Sunna and Bid‘a
The Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) commanded us to honour his tradition (sunnah), and to stay away from innovations (bid‘ah). Learn how to distinguish between the two.
Course Fee
£50.00
Time & Location
Tuesdays 8:00 pm – 9:00 pm
12 October – 14 December 2021
Delivered online via Zoom
Recordings of each lesson will be posted within a day. All recordings will remain accessible for the academic year.
Course Description
This course will clarify the meanings of tradition (sunna) and innovation (bid‘a), in both beliefs and practices. By the end of the course, students will possess a broader understanding of how these terms have been understood across the centuries, and will be able to appreciate the differences between novelties that are praiseworthy and those that are blameworthy, and why. Topics will include:
1. The Prophet’s warning against innovation
2. Defining bid‘a and sunna
3. Categories and rankings of innovations
4. Innovations that were accepted by the Prophet, Companions, and Salaf
5. Common misunderstandings and their answers
7. Bid‘a and Islamic spirituality
8. Case studies
Format: lectures, with opportunity for questions and discussions
Audience: adults and young adults
About the Instructor
Talal Al-Azem
Dr Talal Al-Azem is a university lecturer in Islamic history and theology, and studied the disciplines of Islamic learning in Syria and Turkey. He has written and lectured on the history and philosophy of Islamic education, alongside work on the history of Muslim jurisprudence, and is the translator of ‘Prayers of Occasions’. He serves as the director of the Trust.
Course Fee
£50.00