The Ruling on Qunut for the Removal of a Plague

Question:
Honorable Shaykh, may Allah grant you success, you mentioned in the Friday sermon that the plague in the outlying regions is a manifestation of Allah’s power, a reminder to the servants, and a warning to them to return to Him, the Exalted. The question is: should one recite qunut to remove this plague, or should it be treated like the plague (ta'un) such that qunut is not recited for it, based on a position held by the Hanbalis?

Answer:
Yes, and it is a protection, but supplication is made for all of it. Qunut is not prescribed for a plague; rather, supplication and humility before Allah are prescribed without qunut. Going out [to pray for rain] must be authorized by the one in authority; it must be authorized by him because it is among the prerogatives of the one in authority. The Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) was the one in authority, and he is the one who appointed [successors]. The Companions did not appoint anyone except after the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) had appointed [them]. This is among the prerogatives of the one in authority. Yes.