Q: We go to Fridays (Jummah). One place we go to reads the dua after the salah loud. The other place refuses to read any dua at all. The loud dua place reads the tasbeeh-e-faatimaa, then recites Ayatul-Kursi, and other things from established Hadith. After this ritual, the hand is picked up and a vocally loud dua is made.

The question i have is that how can both musjids do things differently and both claim to be following the sunnah?

A. Regarding those that make Azkar (zikr as you have kindly mentioned) and dua in a loud manner:

Azkar: To recite the aforementioned things are greatly beneficial. To impose and bind others to do so is most certainly an act of ignorance and bidah. People have the right to make their own azkar (forms of zikr) so long as these azkar are part of deen. To recite these azkar aloud so as to teach the people of its merit would be allowed. However, it should be made clear that it is done loudly so as to teach people that these azkar are indeed established from Hadith and are very much part of sharia. Better yet, it would be best to teach people these azkar in a separate corner of the musjid, so as not to be accused of forming a ‘bidah’ after the salah.

Dua: The dua should be done softly; each person is entitled to make their own dua. A loud dua done to teach people the etiquettes of dua, or make an audible dua so as to teach (taleeman) would be allowed. It should be clear that an audible dua done with the intention to teach people its etiquettes’ and phrases would be allowed. Better yet, it would be best again to teach people these duas in a separate corner of the musjid, so as not to be accused of ‘bidah.’

Regarding those that do not make any dua at all:

It has been established form Hadith that Rasulullah (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) did make dua after salah. To negate this aspect is to be ignorant of Hadith that refer to such a practice.. To refuse or be shy to lift ones hands before Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) because some have turned dua  making into a ‘bidah’ is no less an action of bidah, not to forget that such thinking constitutes ignorance as well.  There is a correct way to do things; we must not be afraid to learn its methods without prejudice. To not make dua at all or to do it in loudly for no reason other then that of ignorance are both incorrect. Islam is a religion of balance.

Here is just one example out of the many examples of a dua being recited after salah by Rasulullah (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam):

This dua, and others like it should be read to follow the sunnah of Rasulullah (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam). It should not be imposed nor should it be made binding on the congregation.

Final point: Dua and azkar after salah is established from Hadith. Regarding dua, it is more respectful to lift ones hand with the palms facing the sky. Dua and Azkar are to be both done in preferably a soft tone in the musjid, so as to not disturb other worshipers. For teaching purposes, duas and azkar can be made in an audible tone, however, it is best that such teaching be done at a separate place and time.

Allah certainly knows best.?