Congregational Thikr after prayer is an innovation

14-11-2013 | IslamWeb

Question:

With regards to dhikr, I understand that it should not be done in congregation after the obligatory prayers. What should I do, though, if this happens in the mosque I am praying at? Stand up and leave or join in? How about a mother reading the morning adhkaar after the fajr prayer at home together with her children? JazakAllah khair
Answer:

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) is His slave and Messenger.

Congregational Thikr (remembrance of Allaah) after the obligatory prayers is an innovation, so it is not permissible, as it is established that ‘Aa’ishah may Allaah be pleased with her narrated that the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) said: "Whoever introduces into this matter of ours [i.e. Islam] that which is not part of it, it is rejected.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

For more benefit, please refer to Fataawa 83773 and 85281.

So, it is an obligation to express disapproval in a gentle manner to those who do it and clarify the truth to them. If they accept, then this is what is desired; otherwise, it is an obligation to leave the place as the lowest degree of shunning evil is detesting it in the heart which requires leaving the place where the evil is being committed.

As for the mother reading the Athkaar aloud with her children, then there is nothing wrong with that if it is done with the intention of teaching them. Once they learn it, she should stop doing that and remind them that they should read their Athkaar on their own.

Allaah Knows best.

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