Academia Open
Vol. 10 No. 2 (2025): December

Comparative Interpretation of the Hadith Kullu Bid‘ati Dalalah in Wahhabi and Ahlusunnah Perspectives

Moch Sulthon Zakaria (Universitas Islam Negeri Sunan Ampel Surabaya)



Article Info

Publish Date
10 Nov 2025

Abstract

General Background: The hadith Kullu Bid‘ati Dalalah (“Every innovation is misguidance”) has long been a source of debate in Islamic scholarship regarding the limits of religious innovation. Specific Background: Two influential scholars, Nasir al-Din al-Albani representing Wahhabi thought and Sayyid Muhammad bin ‘Alawi al-Maliki representing Ahlus Sunnah, offer contrasting interpretations reflecting the tension between literalism and contextualism in hadith understanding. Knowledge Gap: Previous studies have explored Wahhabi and Ahlus Sunnah theology separately, but none have comparatively analyzed their hermeneutical approaches to this specific hadith. Aim: This study examines the interpretative differences between al-Albani and al-Maliki on the hadith Kullu Bid‘ati Dalalah using Gadamer’s hermeneutical framework to reveal their theological and methodological implications. Results: The findings show that al-Albani interprets the hadith textually, rejecting all innovations as deviations, whereas al-Maliki adopts a contextual approach, distinguishing between Bid‘ah Hasanah (commendable innovation) and Bid‘ah Sayyi‘ah (blameworthy innovation). Novelty: This study uniquely integrates hermeneutical analysis with comparative theology, bridging scriptural interpretation and contemporary religious discourse. Implications: The research highlights the importance of contextual hermeneutics in promoting intellectual balance and inter-sectarian dialogue within Islamic thought. Highlights: Contrasts Wahhabi literalism with Ahlus Sunnah contextualism. Applies Gadamer’s hermeneutical theory to hadith analysis. Promotes balanced understanding and inter-sectarian dialogue. Keywords: Hadith Interpretation, Bid‘ah, Wahhabi, Ahlus Sunnah, Hermeneutics

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Journal Info

Abbrev

acopen

Publisher

Subject

Medicine & Pharmacology Public Health

Description

Academia Open is published by Universitas Muhammadiyah Sidoarjo published 2 (two) issues per year (June and December). This journal provides immediate open access to its content on the principle that making research freely available to the public supports a greater global exchange of knowledge. This ...