Good and evil Bid`ahs

Q 1: Some of my colleagues said: "Bid`ah (innovation in religion) falls into two categories. The first is a good one and a person can work accordingly. The second is the evil one." I believe that this division is invalid relying on the Hadith that says: The most evil of affairs are novelties; every novelty is a Bid`ah (innovation in religion); every Bid`ah is misguidance; and every misguidance is in Hellfire. What is the viewpoint of jurists and Imams of Islam concerning this point in light of the Qur'an and the Sunnah?

A: This explanation is not valid because of the general meaning of the saying of the Prophet (peace be upon him): The most evil affairs are their novelties; and every innovation is an error. This Hadith was reported by Muslim in his Sahih. There are many Hadiths in this topic that denote the same meaning.We advise you to read the following books: "Al-Bida' Wa Al-Hawadith" by Al-Tartushy, "Bida` wa Al-Nahi `Anha" by Ibn Waddah, "Tanbih Al-Ghafilin" by Ibn Al-Nahhas, "Al-Ibda' fi Madar Al-Ibtida'" by `Aly Mahfuzh (Part No. 2; Page No. 466) "Iqtida' Al-Sirat Al-Mustaqim Mukhalaft Ashab Al-Jahim" by Ibn Taymiyyah and "Zad Al-Ma'ad Fi Hady Khayr Al-'Ibad" by Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim (may Allah be Merciful with him).May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.