Is it permissible to utter the names of cities attributed to saints, such as Sidi Qasim, Sidi Bennour, and Sidi Slimane?
If the righteousness of the city's inhabitants is established, there is no objection to naming it "Madinat Sayyidi [name]" (City of Master [name]), due to its fame by this name. However, if their wickedness or hypocrisy is established, then it is not permissible, because the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Do not call a hypocrite 'Sayyid' (master); for if he is your master, you have displeased your Lord." The use of "Sayyid" for other than Allah is permissible if it is not for self-aggrandizement.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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