How can what you say—that the Imam's saying "Allahu Akbar" (God is Greatest) after the recitation and before bowing is an innovation—be reconciled with what has been mentioned about its establishment from Umar and Al-Bara' (may Allah be pleased with them both) and a number of the Tabi'in?
Qunut in Witr prayer is a (recommended practice). Scholars have differed on two issues: 1. Saying "Allahu Akbar" (Takbir) before Qunut: Some Companions and Tabi'un, such as Umar, Ali, and Al-Bara' (may Allah be pleased with them), held the view of saying Takbir before Qunut. This is the opinion of the Hanafis and one narration from Imam Ahmad. Therefore, whoever does it should not be criticized. 2. Not vocalizing the Qunut supplication: The Hanafis and Malikis believe that the Sunnah for both the Imam and the congregant is to recite the Qunut supplication silently, based on the Almighty's saying: ﴿ادْعُوا رَبَّكُمْ تَضَرُّعًا وَخُفْيَةً﴾ (Call upon your Lord humbly and in secret) and the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying: "The best supplication is that which is hidden."
Thus, an Imam who says Takbir and then does not vocalize the Qunut follows the Hanafi school of thought, and this is a matter of permissible scholarly disagreement. However, if he says Takbir and then remains completely silent without any supplication, whether silent or vocalized, then this has no basis.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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