Is it permissible for supplication to be communal, like the Imam's supplication after a lecture?
Supplication (Du'a) is among the best acts of worship. The has clarified the difference between collective remembrance () and collective supplication. Collective dhikr has no basis in Islamic law, as it has not been authentically reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) remembered his Lord with his companions in one voice. As for collective supplication, it does have a basis in Islamic law, and its forms are many, such as Qunut An-Nawazil (supplication during calamities) and Witr prayer, where the Prophet (peace be upon him) would supplicate and his companions would say 'Ameen'.
As for innovated collective supplication, some of its forms include: 1. A Muslim gathering a group of people solely for supplication. 2. People gathering to supplicate in one voice, which scholars have considered an innovation because it requires a legal basis.
As for the supplication of a lecturer or teacher at the end of their lesson, with the attendees saying 'Ameen' to their supplication, the apparent indication from the Prophet's is its permissibility and recommendation. The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to supplicate for his companions when rising from a gathering. Sheikh Ibn Baz also issued a permitting supplication after a lecture or sermon for the attendees, but raising the hands in this situation does not have specific evidence.
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Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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