Dua after Prayer

Question

I heard that Imam Abu Hanifah rahmatullah 'alay used to recite congregational dua after fard salat, and the Prophet peace and blessings be upon him used to do it sometimes as well. If I understand that this is not a Sunnah act, is it still permissible to make congregational dua most of the time (when I'm imam)? I like to do it, and my intentions are for more blessings b/c more people say 'Amin'. Is it permissible to do congregational dua after salah on a continuous basis, knowing it's not Sunnah? I asked some people and they said it was okay b/c it was not contrary to the Sunnah. Is that a valid argument?

for: Mufti Ebrahim Desai · Accepted Answer

To make Du'a in any form (loudly, softly, collectively, etc.) and any time (before, after Fardh Salaat, etc.) is permissible. While there are substantiations for the different forms and times of making Du'a, Shari'ah does not restrict the making of Du'a in those forms or times not specifically substantiated in Shari'ah. At most, making Du'a is permissible and an act of great virtue and merit.

It is not permissible to project a permissible act as compulsory as this is projecting a wrong view of the Shari'ah, thus, causing distortion of Deen. To regard the collective Du'a after Fardh Salaat or Sunnah Salaat as compulsory will be Bid'ah as that projects the incorrect image of Shari'ah.

and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best

for: Mufti Ebrahim Desai
FATWA DEPT.

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