Is it permissible to refuse the use of the word "Sayyid" (Mr.) and replace it with the word "Akh" (Brother) in official correspondence, based on the conviction that sovereignty belongs to Allah alone and that all Muslims are brothers?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
It is permissible to use the word "Sayyid" (master/chief) for a Muslim, and scholars have differed on this. Some have prohibited it, citing the "The Sayyid is Allah," while others have permitted it, citing the hadith "Stand up for your Sayyid," and the latter is more authentic. If "Sayyid" is used for Allah the Almighty, its meaning is the Owner, the Master, and the Lord, not in the sense it is used for creation. The matter in this regard is broad, and it should not be a cause for disagreement.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/133479
Where this answer came from
- Source platform
- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 133479
- Added here
- . This is when the answer was added to El Fatwa, not the fatwa's date.
- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
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