Du`a' after Taslim of obligatory Prayer

Q: Recently, there has been heated controversy among scholars in different parts in Bangladesh concerning Du`a' (supplication) after Taslim (salutation of peace ending the Prayer). The Imam (the one who leads congregational Prayer) makes a Du`a' while raising his hands facing the Qiblah (Ka`bah-direction faced in Prayer) after the five daily obligatory prayers supplicating Allah (Exalted be He) to help them observe and remain committed to prayers and the Ma'mums (persons being led by an Imam in Prayer) say "Amen" while raising their hands and voices. In conclusion, they wipe their faces with their hands and conclude the Du`a'. Clashes and disagreement arise among scholars themselves and among laypeople who follow the scholars; some held the view that it is Bid`ah (innovation in religion) and others claim that it is permissible and an act of Sunnah.I hope Your Eminence could point out to us the truth with regard to this question, supporting it with evidence from the Book and the Sunnah along with the views of scholars. I hope you could also point out the proprieties and ways of Du`a', besides mentioning the situations where it is permissible to make a collective Du`a'. Thank you very much. Your Fatwa will be very effective in settling the dispute, In sha’a-Allah (if Allah wills). As-salamu `alaykum warahmatullah wabarakatuh (May Allah's Peace, Mercy, and Blessings be upon you.)

A: Muslims should know the authenticity of their actions in their Salah (Prayer) and Du`a' and whether they are authentically reported from the Messenger (peace be upon him) or innovated Bid`ahs that with the passage of time became familiar to people and they thought them of the obligations of Din (religion) of Islam. (Part No. 2; Page No. 193) Muslims should also know that such Bid`ah does not entail Kufr (disbelief) and does not bring the Muslim out of the fold of Islam and does not invalidate the Salah of whoever commits it. It is of the Bid`ahs that have no base in religion and the Muslim is not to be rewarded for doing it, since it was not established by the Messenger (peace be upon him). Accordingly, Muslims should not engage in fighting and argument over it or abandon the Masjid (mosque) and the congregational Salah for it; rather, Muslims should pray behind whoever does so informing him of the impermissibility of this Bid`ah and that it is renounced.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.