What to do if one is present in an environment where bid'at takes place
Question:
Is it wrong to attend gatherings where bid'at prevails even if out of social pressure? I am concerned because the answer would be really applicable on us all since 'quls' and the likes of them are really common in our society.
Response:
The prophet, sallalahu alaihi wasallam, is reported to have said:
"Every new practice (introduced in the name of Islam) is bid'at, and every bid'at is misleading, and everything misleading would lead to the hell-fire".
I believe, therefore, that there is no reason one should compromise on any matter that is so seriously condemned by the prophet. However, since the judgement on whether a certain practice is bid'at or not is our own, and we can be wrong in our understanding, there is no reason why we should be harsh in our tone in condemning it. We should only urge others to understand our point of view, which we should present politely in an academic manner, as devoid of emotions as could be possible.
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