Question:
When did innovation (bid’ah) first appear? And when did it become known?
Answer:
Yes. Innovations appeared toward the end of the era of the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them), but you would find them as innovations regarding specific issues. Later, they spread until they reached the level of creed (‘aqidah) concerning Allah, the Mighty and Sublime.
The innovation of al-Qadr (predestination)—which is the denial of Allah’s decree regarding the actions of His creation—became well-known and appeared during the time of the Companions. Then came the innovation of Irja’, followed by the Jahmiyyah innovation, which is the denial of all or some of Allah’s Attributes.
Whoever wishes to clarify this further should refer to the primary sources, such as the books of Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah or his student Ibn al-Qayyim.