Innovation Practiced in Malaysia

27-1-2002 | IslamWeb

Question:

In Malaysia it is common practice after prayer for the Imam and the congregation to perform/recite the Istighfar, praises to Allah, the Fatiha, Ayah ul-Kursi, Takbir, Tahmid, etc. together. Finally, the Imam will read Dua' and the congregation will raise their hands and saying A'min. Is this Bidah considering that the practice is so widespread and regarded by many as proper?
Answer:

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) is His slave and Messenger.

The best guidance is the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) and his Companions and the worst are innovations. The practice mentioned in your question is not from the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) nor from his Companions. Therefore, it is an innovation.

If this practice would have been a good act, then the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) and his Companions, etc. would have performed them before us. The Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) said: “Whoever introduces into this matter of ours (Islam) that which is not part of it; it will be rejected.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

What is proved from the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) and his Companions is that they used to recite the supplication individually, not in congregation.

Allah knows best.

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