What is the ruling on saying "ya mu'allim" (O teacher), "ya mister" (O mister), or "ya sayyid" (O master) to a disbeliever or apostate, knowing that it is a common word of greeting and not intended for religious instruction? Is this considered an act of loyalty to disbelievers, and does its perpetrator become a disbeliever?
Addressing a disbeliever with the aforementioned wording does not fall under prohibited allegiance. As for addressing him with the word "Sayyid" (master/lord), some scholars have permitted it if it is not done out of veneration.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/122166