The distinguishing signs of Ahlul-Bid’ah

Aboo Uthmaan as-Saaboonee (D.449H) [rahimahullah] said, “And the characteristics (resulting) from (the effects of) innovations upon their people and obvious and manifestly clear. The most apparent of their signs and characteristics is the severity of their enmity and hatred towards the Carriers of the narrations of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam). Their disdain of them, their scorn of them (considering them to be valueless) and naming them with Hashawiyyah (Worthless People), Jahalah (the Ignorant), Dhaahiriyyah (Literalists) and Mushabbihah (those who liken Allaah to the creation). (And this), due to their belief (concerning) the narrations of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam), that they are devoid of any knowledge and that the (real) knowledge is that which Shaytaan throws at them from the results of their corrupt intellects, the dark whispering of their chest (ie., souls), the false notions of their hearts (which are) empty of any goodness, their words and proofs which are devoid (of truth) and their unjustified and futile doubts.
“They are the ones whom Allaah has cursed, so that He has made them deaf and blinded their sight.” [Soorah Muhammad (47):23]