Understanding the Difference between Bid’ah and Mukhaalif lis-Sunnah

There is a difference between something being an innovation (bid'ah) and its being inconsistent with the Sunnah (mukhaalif lis-Sunnah).  For example, elongation of the Friday sermon by the Khateeb is inconsistent with the Sunnah, but it is not an innovation in the technical sense. Similarly, Irsaal yadayn (leaving the arms straight in Salaah) and not placing them on the chest during the standing that is before the rukoo’ is inconsistent with the Sunnah, but it is not an innovation.

Source: al-Bid’ah: Mafhoomuha Bayaanuha Aathaaruha, p. 63-64 by ‘Alee bin Ismaa‘eel al-Qaadee

Ruling on Swearing by the Qur’aan

As regards swearing by the noble Qur’aan, there is nothing wrong with it, because the noble Qur’aan is the word of Allaah – blessed and exalted be He. Allaah uttered its wording in reality, intending its meaning as He – blessed and exalted be He - has the attribute of speaking. On the basis of this, swearing by the noble Qur’aan is swearing by one of the attributes of Allaah and this is permissible.

Source: Fataawaa al-'Aqeedah, p. 348 by  Shaykh Muhammad Saalih al-'Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him)