Q: In my country, Mozambique, some Muslims want to ,assign the time after `Isha' (Night) Prayer each Thursday for asking Allah to confer peace and blessings upon the Prophet (peace be upon him) in congregation, Is this Mashru` (Islamically acceptable)?

A: Invoking peace and blessings on the Prophet (peace be upon him) is Mashru`, recommended, and greatly rewarded. However, it must be done in the prescribed manner. Assigning a certain time or manner of doing this without evidence is a forbidden Bid`ah (innovation in Islam). Accordingly, assigning the time after `Isha' Prayer or offering it in congregation is a forbidden Bid`ah. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Every novelty is Bid`ah, and every Bid`ah leads to misguidance. He (peace be upon him) also stated: Anyone who does an action which is not stated in this matter of ours (Islam) will have it rejected. Narrated by Muslim in his Sahih on the authority of `Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her). In another wording, the Prophet (peace be upon him) stated, Anyone who introduces anything into this matter of ours (Islam) that is not part of it will have it rejected. (Agreed upon by Imams Al-Bukhari and Muslim).May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.