Is the Imam's supplication for the worshippers after the Friday sermon and before the call to prayer (Iqamah), with raised hands and the congregation saying "Ameen," a Sunnah or an innovation (Bid'ah)?

The majority of scholars hold that supplication (du'a) during the Friday sermon is a sunnah (definition) (recommended practice), while the Shafi'is consider it a pillar (rukn).

Those who advocate for the consistent practice of supplication have cited the hadith (definition) of Samura ibn Jundub (may Allah be pleased with him), which states that the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to seek forgiveness for believing men and women, and Muslim men and women every Friday. However, the chain of narration for this hadith is weak.

As for raising hands during supplication in the sermon, it is narrated that Ammara ibn Ruwaybah saw Bishr ibn Marwan raising his hands on the minbar and said: "May Allah disfigure these hands! I saw the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) not doing more than gesturing like this with his hand," and he pointed with his index finger. Narrated by Muslim.

Regarding the hour of acceptance (sa'at al-ijabah) on Friday, one of the widely accepted opinions is that it is from the time the Imam ascends the minbar until the prayer is concluded. If the preacher supplicates at this time, or reminds people to supplicate and say "Ameen" hoping that this is the hour of acceptance, then the matter is broad and there is no harm in it.