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The sign of the people of bid’ah is that they do not follow the salaf.
Ibn Taymiyyah
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote emphasizes the importance of adhering to traditional Islamic teachings as a measure of faith.

Ibn Taymiyyah highlights the significance of the salaf, the early generations of Muslims, as a standard for understanding and practicing Islam. He suggests that those who deviate from these teachings, referred to as 'bid’ah' or innovation, indicate a lack of commitment to foundational principles of the faith.

Themes

Bid'AhSalafTraditionIslamFaithInnovation

In practice

Example use cases

In a lecture about maintaining Islamic orthodoxy, one could use this quote to stress the importance of following the traditions of the salaf.

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If you do good in secret, Allah will shower His good on you in public.
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Make tawba not just for sins you've committed, but also for obligations you haven't fulfilled.
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