Is it permissible to address a non-believer as "Sayyidī" (my master/sir) or "Mister" in America, knowing that not using these terms might lead to a misunderstanding or a bad impression of a Muslim?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
It was previously explained how to address a non-believer and the ruling on addressing him with the word: "Sayyid" (master). We point out that the word "Sayyid" in the : "Do not say 'Sayyid' to a hypocrite," is translated as "Master" or "Chief"; because these terms denote glorification and exaltation, unlike "Mr." or "Sir," which merely denote respect.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/145691
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- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 145691
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- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Read the full answer on Ftawy