At the time of hardship

During times of calamity and personal hardship some people have amals (practices) such as reciting Surah Yaseen 40 times, Surah Ikhlaas 100,000 times, etc.  A number of people join in the practice to complete the recitation are such practices permissible?

Yes these practices are permissible provided that bidat (innovation) acts are not associated. While it is not Sunnat it is permissible and beneficial. These practices are not public acts or congregational acts of ibaadat (worship) some relatives or friends may perform these amals (practices) in the privacy of their homes for the alleviation of the hardship.

(Ref: The Majlis Vol. 13 No. 11 Page 2)