Building Harmony by Opening a Wider and More Flexible Horizon
By,Jacob Ereste
Freelance Journalist
The definition of Bid’ah in Islam which means doing something new related to religion does not have an example done by the Prophet Muhammad SAW. Literally, bid’ah comes from the Arabic word called “bada’a” which makes or does something without an example. However, in the context of sharia, bid’ah is interpreted by scholars in two categories, namely bid’ah hasanah (good) and bid’ah dhalalah (bad or misguided). However, most people always interpret it as something bad or misguided. So it becomes something that is forbidden.
In fact, something that is newly made or created is not necessarily something bad just because it was never done by the Prophet Muhammad SAW who is an example of all behavior and what has been done. Because the Prophet and Messenger of Allah are indeed examples and role models for Muslims to practice the teachings and guidance of Islam as a perfect religion. Because in Islam, Abrahamic religions are recognized – which come from heaven, Judaism, Christianity and Islam – are recognized by each holy book that explains it.
Bid’ah Hasanah – something new without any previous examples, so it was never done by the Prophet – does not contradict the teachings and guidance of Islam. While bid’ah Dhalalah is bad or misguided because it is something new that contradicts the teachings and guidance of the Prophet that already has examples.
Some scholars do distinguish bid’ah Hasanah and bid’ah dhalalah firmly, but there are also those who reject all bid’ah as bad and misguided. However, in religious matters related to daily life – especially since human civilization has advanced and made great leaps forward through science and knowledge and technology – there are more and more new things that cannot be avoided and are needed to meet the demands of the times related to muamalah and worship.
Because if we have to refer to what the Prophets, especially Muhammad SAW, did when they went to the Holy Land – Mecca – using a camel, it is impossible for other Muslims from Sumatra to do the same.
The proverbs that are quite rigid as mentioned above are often expressed by Emha Ainun Nadjib in various open dialogue opportunities with his congregation, even in limited discussions in small groups since he was still living in Kampung Bugisan, Yogyakarta in the 1980s.
It is necessary to understand the existence of two forms of bid’ah hasanah and bid’ah dhalalah so as not to get caught up in giving labels that have no basis in logic and healthy thinking, and are easily provoked to blindly blame others which can ignite divisions among fellow believers, families and even with one’s own siblings that do not need to happen and harm many parties.
Apart from that, the way of thinking and expressing opinions that are too rigid or done spontaneously without being digested by reason and clear thoughts, needs to be done so that it can be cultivated in order to build a harmonious order without having to cause chaos among fellow believers – so that in the next turn – it can broaden the horizon of view in understanding the existence of more striking differences from the perspective of other religions. So that a tolerant attitude can get a proper place and a reasonable portion. Not excessive, but also does not need to be reduced for the sake of harmony with religious communities in our country, or even in the world.
It seems that this is how it is necessary to open a window of a broader and more flexible horizon of view, so as not to be bound by narrow and narrow thinking, which can cause harm to oneself or to others. Because a wiser attitude and nature always need to be continuously improved, so that the quality and values of humanity are maintained and sustainable.**
Jatinegara, July 8, 2025
—
