Calling the common
person “Shaykh”
Explained by Shaykh Uthaymeen
Explained by Shaykh Uthaymeen
Questioner: Is it correct
to apply the term ‘Shaykh’ to everyone from amongst the people? Especially
since this term has become widely used, so we hope for some clarity in this.
Shaykh Uthaymeen: The term
‘Shaykh’ in the Arabic language is not used except upon the kabeer (elder),
either due to their being elder in age,
or senior due to the level of knowledge they possess, or due to his wealth, and
what is similar to this; and it is not applied to the sagheer (little one,
i.e.: little in age, knowledge, etc.) But as you have stated, it has
become widespread now such that the
ignorant person or the one who doesn’t
know anything is referred to as ‘Shaykh’; and this in my view is not befitting.
Because if you applied to this person
the term ‘Shaykh’ and his is ignorant and doesn’t know, the people will be
deceived by him. And they will think he has some knowledge with him , and they
will consult him for fatwas (Islamic rulings) and other than that, and a great
harm will result because of this.
And many of the people – we ask Allah
to guide us and to guide them – they
don’t mind to give a fatwa if they are asked, even if they answer without
knowledge. Because he thinks that if he says, “I don’t know” this will decrease
his status. But in reality if the person says about that which he does not
know, “I don’t know”, then that is the completeness of his status. But the
souls are accustomed to want to impress
others, except those whom Allah the Mighty and Majestic protects from
this. So what I see is that the term ‘Shaykh’ is not applied except to those
that deserve it, either by his age, or by his nobility, or due to sovereignty
over his people, or because of his knowledge.
And in a like fashion some of the people
apply the term ‘Imam’ to the common scholars, even if this scholar is from the
blind followers: they say he is an ‘Imam’. And this also is not befitting; it’s
befitting that the term ‘Imam’ should not be applied except on the one, who
deserves to be an ‘Imam’, and he has followers, and his statements are held in
high regard amongst the Muslims.
And finally, you gave the salaams as
did the brother before you when you wanted to ask a question, and this is not
from the Sunnah. Because the Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, when
they wanted to present a question to the Messenger of Allah peace and blessings
are upon him, they would not give him the salaams except for the one who was
arriving at the sitting; this is the one who would give the salaams.
Translated by
Rasheed ibn Estes Barbee
For original,
genuine & safe copy read & listen here>> http://mtws.posthaven.com/calling-the-common-person-shaykh-explained-by-shaykh-uthaymeen
