Is it permissible for Muslims to call Christian priests "Father"?
The term "father" among Christians denotes a religious rank given to those who attain it, out of respect and veneration. A Muslim's use of the title "father" for a priest, if intended as a sign of respect and veneration, is prohibited due to its resemblance to Christian practice. The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Whoever imitates a people is one of them." However, if the term is used for identification and information, because it is an accompanying title by which he is known, and not with the intention of imitation or respect, then there is latitude in the matter, similar to the permissibility of using forbidden backbiting for identification, such as descriptive nicknames like "al-Amash" (the bleary-eyed) or "al-Araj" (the lame).
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 1817
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- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy