Is the vocal congregational chanting of dhikr after prayers in Turkish mosques considered a bidʻah (innovation), even though it appears in a book attributed to Imam Abu Hanifa, and does its ruling differ among the madhahib (schools of thought)?
Adhering to the recitation of dhikr and supplication while facing the ma'mum (congregants) is an innovation (bid'ah), as it has not been authentically established from the Prophet (peace be upon him) nor from the Companions. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever performs a deed that is not in accordance with our matter, it will be rejected," and "Whoever innovates in this matter of ours that which is not from it, it will be rejected." Ibn al-Qayyim stated that no one reported this practice from the Prophet (peace be upon him) despite his regular observance of dhikr. Sheikh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah said that persisting in practices other than the prescribed Sunnah is an innovation, such as the communal supplication after the five obligatory prayers, and that the Prophet (peace be upon him) did not do that after the prescribed prayers. Therefore, one should not follow those who do so, and one should suffice with the narrated dhikr privately. Differences among the madhhabs (schools of thought) are natural, and a Muslim should act upon what is most preponderant, supported by the legal evidence, while respecting the imams and having a good opinion of them.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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