Mubtadi’ and the ruling of their narrations

A mubtadi’ (innovator) in terms of that which clearly necessitates disbelief,[1] is a disbeliever by agreement.

As for the mubtadi’ whose belief comprises of disbelief which stems from a mistaken interpretation[2] of the source,[3]then there is a difference of opinion regarding them.[4] This is the opinion of Shams al-Dīn al-Aṣfahānī and that which is indicated by Ibn Daqīq al-‘Īd and Ibn Ḥājar. 

Thereafter, the narrations of a mubtadi’ are not accepted by Imām Mālik.[5]

According to Imām Abū Ḥanīfah, Abū Yūsuf and Imām Shāfi’ī, if the narrator believes lying to be allowed then their narrations are not accepted. 

According to Imām Aḥmad and many muḥaddithīn, if the mubtadi’ is a caller to his innovation then their narrations are not accepted. 

According to Ibn Ḥājar, if the mubtadi’ is a caller towards his innovation, or he narrates that which strengthens his innovation even though he may not be a caller towards his innovation, then in both these cases their narrations are not accepted. 

---

[1] Such as saying that Allāh ﷻ has a son (na’ūdhu billahi min dhālik), or that there is no heaven or hell etc. 

[2] Such as saying that Allāh ﷻ has a physical hand based on the āyāt of Qur’ān

[3] Whether it be Qur’ān or aḥādīth  

[4] Some scholars accept their narrations. 

[5] Note some aḥādīth of mubtadi’īn are found in the Muwatta of Imām Mālik.