We already know that there are two types of Innovation, Good (Hasana) and Bad (Sayyia). It has been mentioned that a Good Innovation is of three kinds: permissible (jaaiz), preferable (mustahab) and compulsory (waajib).
There are two types of Bad Innovations (Bid’at-e-Sayyia): the disliked (makrooh) and prohibited
(haraam). Proof of this categorization follows,
“Innovation is sometimes,
1. Waajib – such as to attain the knowledge of Arabic grammar and syntax (nahw) and deduce principles of Fiqh.
2. Haraam – the Jabriyya sect (i.e., their beliefs).
3. Mustahab – to build quarters for travelers and Madrassahs, to read Taraweeh salaah with general congregation (jamaat} and every other good thing that was unfound in previous times.
4. Makrooh – to decorate the Masjids extravagantly.
5. Permissible – to shake hands (musaafaha) after Fajr salaah and to prepare and improve in food and drink.” – Mirqaat, Baabul-Itisaam bil·Kitaab was-Sunnah
Allama Shaami writes, “Performing salaah behind a follower or believer ora Haraam innovation is makrooh (Note: what is meant here is prohibited dislike). Otherwise, Innovation is sometimes Waajib, e.g. learning Arabic grammar (nahw) and gathering proofs (of the Ahle-Sunnah); Mustahab, e.g. constructing traveler quarters and Madrassahs and instituting any good thing that was not present in past times; Makrooh, e.g. expensively adorning the Masjids; Mubaah (allowed), e.g. dilation in tasty foods, drink and clothes. Jaame-Sagheer also states the same as above.” – Raddul-Muhtaar, Kitaabus-Salaah, Baabul-lmaamat, Vol. 1
The five kinds of Innovation (Bid’at) are clearly understood from these extracts. Thus, we come to know that every innovation is not Haraam. Rather, some are occasionally necessary, such as deducing principles of Fiqh, to gather and place i’raab (zabar, zero pesh) in the Holy Qur’an, printing it in modem times, making schedules for teaching, etc. in Madrassahs, etc.