All bidah are haram or not?

The concept of bid'ah, or innovation in religious practices, is viewed differently across Islamic traditions.

According to Sunni scholarship, as reflected in Tafsir Ibn Kathir, all bid'ah is generally considered haram (forbidden). This perspective is rooted in the teachings of the Prophet ﷺ, who emphasized the importance of adhering strictly to the practices established by him and his companions. The Prophet ﷺ said: What is lawful is clear and what is forbidden is clear, and between them are doubtful matters unknown to many people. Whoever protects himself from these doubtful matters has preserved his religion and honor. Whoever falls into doubtful matters falls into sin, like a shepherd who grazes around a sanctuary and is about to enter it. Beware, every king has a sanctuary, and indeed the sanctuary of Allah are His prohibitions. Indeed, in the body there is a piece of flesh which if it is sound, the whole body is sound; and if it is corrupt, the whole body is corrupt. Indeed, it is the heart. Sunan Ibn Majah 37:59SunniSahih (per Al-Albani). This hadith underscores the importance of avoiding innovations that are not supported by Islamic teachings.

In contrast, Shia scholarship, as reflected in Majma al-Bayan, holds a more nuanced view of bid'ah. While some innovations may be deemed as unacceptable, others may be considered permissible if they do not contradict the core teachings of Islam and serve a good purpose. The Shia perspective focuses on the intention behind the innovation and whether it aligns with the broader objectives of Islamic law.

For a ruling that applies to your specific situation, consult a qualified local scholar.