SIGNIFICANCE OF TITLES USED FOR SCHOLARS

Significance of Titles used for Scholars

I was wondering whether or not anyone could shed any light on what the various titles used for Ulema in the Subcontinent such as Maulvi, Maulana, etc., really mean and whether or not there are agreed upon standards that one must meet before having the title conferred upon them, or do different madrassas, schools, governments, etc. have different standards. Also, are their any equivalent titles/certifications for ulema in the Arab lands?

Question # q-18145316

Date Posted: 30/03/2004

In the name of Allah, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful,

The using of various titles for the scholars (ulama) in the Indian Subcontinent is merely something that is customary and widespread in those lands. The titles are not based upon any injunction or ruling of Shariah. As such, titles used for scholars may vary from one place to another and from one era to another.

For example: The title “Mawlana” which literally means “our master” is normally used for an individual who graduates from a traditional Islamic institution (madrasa) known as a Dar al-Uloom, for example… The student normally concludes his course in these Dar al-Ulooms with the study of at least the six major books of Hadith (kutub al-sittah) with the chain (isnad) that goes back to the authors of the books and consequently to the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace).

As stated earlier that linguistically “Mawlana” means “our master”. It is a term that is used in order to respect someone, such as a religious scholar.

This term is also used in the Arab world out of regard for a respectable person, not necessarily a religious scholar. During my stay in Syria and Jordan, many times I heard the Arabs say: “Ya Mawlana” (O our master) or “Ya Sayyidi” (O our leader).

Sayyiduna Ali (Allah ennoble his face and be pleased with him) said:

“Whoever teaches me even a word, he is my master. If he so desires, he may free me and if he wishes he may take service from me.”

(Ta’lim al-Muta’allim)

Thus, this term is only used in order to respect someone, and due to the fact that religious scholars deserve the utmost respect, they are given this title. This also signifies that one does not need to be a scholar in order to be described with this title, for it is merely a word of respect. However, if the term is customarily used in a place for recognized scholars, then it would not be permissible to give that title to other than scholars.

Therefore, if one was to call a non-scholar with the title of “Mawlana” in an area where this term is not exclusively recognized for scholars (such as in many Arab countries), then it would be perfectly okay. However, to use this term for non-scholars in the Indian subcontinent would not be permissible due to deception.

Also, it is not necessary for one to graduate from a traditional Dar al-Uloom in order to be described with this title. However, what is necessary is that the one given this title must learn and study by other recognized scholars, whether in an organized institution or privately.

There are also other titles that are used in the Indian Subcontinent. For example: A’lim (the knowledgeable), Mawlavi (my master) and Shaykh are all used for the one who graduates from a traditional Dar al-Uloom.

“Mufti” literally means the one who answers questions, and in the Indian Subcontinent it refers to a person who after graduating from the A’lim course, specializes in the field of Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh) and giving religious verdicts (fatwa) under the supervision of recognized experienced Muftis. It is only a customary term for anyone who takes up the course of specialization in Islamic jurisprudence, thus the term may differ from the understanding of the Arab world.

The term “Shaykh al-Hadith” normally refers to a person who is appointed and honoured to teach the most authentic book after the book of Allah “Sahih al-Bukhari”. This again is a term that is customary in the Indian Subcontinent and may differ from other Islamic countries and societies.

In conclusion, the different titles given to the scholars in the Indian Subcontinent are merely customary, thus they may differ in application from other Islamic societies and cultures.

And Allah knows best

Muhammad ibn Adam

Darul Iftaa

Leicester , UK

Copyright© 2005 Darul Iftaa. All rights reserved

Calling a scholar Mawlana

What is the answer to those who say that only Allah Almigfhty is Maulana, and it is not permissible to call anyone Maulana?

Question # q-20114860

Date Posted: 04/02/2004

In the name of Allah, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful,

The word “Mawlana” literally means our master. It is a word of honour and respect normally used in the Indo/Pak for a person who has graduated from a traditional religious institute (Dar al-Uloom). The words Alim, Mawlavi and Fadhil are also used for the same person.

It is also used in the Arab world (out of regard) for a respectable person, not necessarily a religious scholar. During my stay in Syria, many times I heard the Arabs say: “Ya Mawlana” (O our master) or “Ya Sayyidi” (O our leader).

It is clear from the above that there is nothing wrong in calling someone Mawlana. It is merely a word used to respect someone you have regard for, such as a religious scholar.

Those who object to this, say that the real “Mawla” (master) is only Allah Almighty, and therefore to grant somebody the name of Allah is not permissible.

This however, is incorrect, as many words and titles used for Allah Almighty are also used for his servants. The great commentator of the Holy Qur’an, Imam Ibn Kathir (Allah have mercy on him) states in his Tafsir:

“There are certain names of Allah that are used (as names) for other than Allah, and certain names of Allah are exclusive for Him alone, such as: Allah, al-Rahman (Merciful), Al-Khaliq (Creator), al-Raziq (Sustainer) and so forth”

(Tafsir Ibn Kathir, 1/42).

The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) was described as “Rahim” in the Qur’an, which is also a name of Allah Almighty. Similarly, the term “Rabb” is used repeatedly in the Arabic language (in connection with another word). The books of Fiqh are full of this. The head of a house is called Rabb al-Bayt, even though, the word Rabb is used for Allah Most High in the very first verse of the Qur’an. The word ‘Mawla’ itself is used in the Arabic language for a master of a servant or slave.

In conclusion, it is totally permissible to call a person “Mawlana” out of respect. One should always remember that these are trivial matters, and one should avoid arguments with regards to it. The Muslim Ummah is in need of more important matters to be solved.

And Allah Knows Best

Muhammad ibn Adam

Darul Iftaa

Leicester , UK