It is wrong to say it is a bid’ah. Those who label it as a bid’ah are misusing this word. How can it be considered a bid’ah when one of the most prominent schools, namely Hanafis, consider it recommended?  We may do well to remember that they did not invent this practice; rather they have simply followed the practice of some of the companions they trace their teachings.  Hence, it is wrong to say they invented it.

 

Here is a story from Imam Malik shedding light on this. When the Abbassid Caliph wanted to impose the teachings of Muwatta (his work) on the people of other cities, he advised him against it saying: Following the death of the Prophet (peace be upon him) his companions dispersed in various lands carrying with them aspects of the Sunnah. So, we may do well to let them follow what they have inherited as each one of them has a basis in Sunnah.