How can one distinguish between absolute dhikr that does not require a specific formula and non-absolute dhikr? What is the ruling on initiating dhikr with specific formulas without consistently reciting them or adopting them as a regular litany? And does it become an innovation (bid’ah) by consistently reciting it?

There is no contradiction between the two fatwas, as both prohibit the creation of a remembrance (dhikr) that a Muslim regularly observes and commits to, not merely uttering remembrance. For no one is allowed to legislate for people a type of remembrance or supplication that is not legislated [by Allah or His Messenger] and make it a regular act of worship. Rather, this is an innovation in religion for which Allah has not granted permission. As for supplicating with a wording that has not been reported, there is no harm in it as long as it is sound, provided that one does not make it a regular litany to be continuously observed, nor allocate a specific time or place for it, for such allocation is an innovation (bid'ah).