Back to search

What is the ruling on addressing bearded managers of administrations, those who let their garments hang below the ankles, and Shias with the title "Sayyid" in official correspondence, knowing that this style is customary and difficult to change?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

Some scholars are of the opinion that it is forbidden to describe a fasiq (open sinner) or a hypocrite as "Sayyid" (master/sir), as it involves exalting someone whom Allah has debased. However, this prohibition does not apply to administrative correspondence, as the word in this context does not carry the true meaning of lordship, but rather is used for courtesy or administrative protocol. Imam An-Nawawi permitted applying the term "Sayyid" to a virtuous person, but disliked it for a fasiq. Some scholars have made an exception to the disliking if there is a benefit or if it prevents harm. Furthermore, the origin of the prohibition is subject to scrutiny, being based on a hadith with an interruption in its chain of transmission, which makes the matter subject to ijtihad (independent reasoning) rather than being definitive.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

Read the full answer on Ftawy