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Which One Has The Greater Punishment: The Sinners Or The Innovators?

The Noble Shaykh Saalih Al-Fawzaan (may Allah preserve him) was asked, “Which o­ne has the greater punishment: The sinners or the innovators?”

Thus the Noble Shaykh answered:

The innovators have a greater punishment, for verily innovation is more severe than mutiny. Hence, innovation is more beloved to the Shaytaan than mutiny. For surely the sinner repents.

Sufyaan Ath-Thawree may Allah bestow mercy upon him said: “Innovation is more beloved to Iblees (Shaytaan) than mutiny; for verily mutiny is repented from and innovation is not repented from.” [Majmoo Fatawaa vol.11 pg.472]

As for the innovator, then it is rare that he repents. Because he (the innovator) thinks that he is upon truth opposed to the sinner who knows that he is a sinner and commits mutiny. As for the innovator, he sees himself as being a follower, and that he is upon obedience. Thus, for that reason innovation - and the protection is with Allah - is more evil than mutiny. Hence for that reason the Salaf used to warn against sitting with the innovator.

Al-Hassan Al-Basree may Allah bestow mercy upon him said: “Do not sit with the companion of innovation; for verily he will sicken your heart.” [Al-Bi’dah wan Nahee ‘Anhaa pg.54]

Because they have an affect o­n those who sit with them and their danger is severe. Without a doubt innovation is more evil than mutiny, and the danger of the innovator is greater upon the people than the sinner and for this reason the Salaf said: “Thriftiness with the sunnah is better than perseverance upon innovation."[Al Ajwibah Al-Mufeedah q.5 pg.26]

From calgaryislam.com