What about the Tablighi Jamaat? Is it an old or a deviated group?

Answer

The teachings of the Tabligh Jamaat are as old as Islam. This Jamaat does not teach any new tenets. While some of their methods are new introductions, these methods are used to teach the very same teachings which Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) taught. Furthermore, the area of the Tabligh Jamaat is extremely restricted. They only teach the Kalimah, Tahaarat and Salaat – the very basics. They do not teach anything new. A new method which does not change any of the ahkaam of the Shariah is not bid'ah.

While the Tabligh Jamaat is not a deviated group, some excesses have crept into the Jamaat, e.g. the ladies Tabligh Jamaat; the belief that all Tabligh is confined within the ranks of the Jamaat. It is necessary for the elders of the Jamaat to rectify such excesses. The consequence of excess is fossilization, retrogression and bid'ah.