Source: Fatawa ‘Ilmiyyah, Volume 1, Kitab al-Salah, Page 469
❖ Question:
Is the commonly practiced collective du‘ā at the time of condolence—where everyone raises their hands together for du‘ā—proven by the Qur’an or authentic Hadith?
(Asked by: Tanveer Salafi, Jall Ali, Abbottabad)
✿ Answer:
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu was-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh, ʾammā baʿd!
✦ Ruling on Collective Du‘ā During Taʿziyah
◈ The common practice of holding a collective du‘ā at the time of condolence—where all attendees raise their hands simultaneously—has no foundation in the Qur’an or authentic Sunnah.
◈ Therefore, this act is regarded as an innovation (bidʿah).
📌 Clarification of the Fatwa
- This practice is among those innovations that have gradually become widespread over time.
- It is important to avoid such practices and gently advise others with wisdom and kindness, so they may also refrain from engaging in non-Shar‘i rituals.
✅ Conclusion:
✔ Collective du‘ā at the time of condolence is not established from the Qur’an or authentic Hadith.
✔ Such a ritual is a religious innovation (bidʿah) and must be avoided.
✔ Instead, one should follow the authentic prophetic method of offering condolences, which includes words of comfort, prayers for the deceased, and individual supplication without formality.
ـــ ❖ ـــ
ھٰذَا مَا عِندِي وَاللّٰهُ أَعْلَمُ بِالصَّوَاب
📅 (Shahādat, October 2001)
