Origin of the word “bid’ah” and some related questions

Question:
1) How did the word “Bid’ah” originate?
2) Is there any Islamic punishment for it?
3) Does the practice of arranging gatherings for Qur’an Khawani and Durood - e.g. before marriage/nikkah, before starting construction of a personal house, at child birth etc. - fall under bida’h?

Response:
1) The word bid’ah is from bada’a, which means to start something anew. However, as a religious term it is used to mean a religious practice that has been initiated by someone other than prophet, alaihissalaam. Because our religion has been communicated to us by our prophet, it is only he who can tell us what religious practices to follow. If someone creates a new activity in the name of religion, it is a serious crime.

2) There is no punishment prescribed in the shari’ah for bid’ah. However, if a Muslim society decides a punishment for it, there should be no religious problem in doing so. It is not necessary that punishments be prescribed for all crimes by the Almighty. He has done so only in matters where he felt it necessary to guide Muslims.

3) Doing religious ceremonies at the beginning of a nikah, a new business, constructing a home etc. are not desirable because they can fall into the category of bid’ah. Instead, one should resort to saying bismillah or doing du’a on such occasions as was done by our prophet, Allah’s mercy be on him!

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