Are the Imam's words, "May Allah establish it, make it everlasting, and make us among its righteous people" after the muezzin finishes, and his saying to the worshippers, "Straighten yourselves for prayer—may Allah have mercy on you—and approach Allah with humble hearts, and pray the prayer of one bidding farewell," and before the opening takbir, "O Allah, perfect our standing before You and do not disgrace us on the Day of Presentation before You," considered innovations (bidʻah)?
It is sunnah for one who hears the Iqamah, whether an Imam or a follower, to say upon the caller's pronouncement of "Qad qamat al-Salah" (The prayer has begun): "May Allah establish it and perpetuate it, and make me among its people."
The Imam's exhortation to the congregants for straightening their rows and humility before the prayer by saying "Istawu" (Straighten your rows) or "Aqbilu 'ala Allah bi qulubin khashi'ah" (Turn to Allah with humble hearts) is legislated and not an innovation.
As for supplication before the Takbirat al-Ihram (the opening takbir of prayer), if what is meant is the Du'a al-Istiftah (the opening supplication), then there is a difference of opinion: The majority holds that it is recited after the Takbirat al-Ihram, while Imam Malik holds that it is recited before it. As for supplication that goes beyond the Istiftah before the Takbir, it is preferable to omit it, as it was not narrated from the Prophet (peace be upon him) nor from his companions, and because supplication typically follows the act of worship.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/58420