Adab al-Mufrad

Benefits and Issues:
➊ The use of the word "Sayyid" (chief, master) for anyone other than the Divine Being is a matter of disagreement, because narrations exist on both sides. The preferred opinion appears to be that one should avoid using this word; however, in certain cases its use is permissible and there is no objection to it, provided it is used with attribution. For example, a slave may call his master "Sayyidi" or a tribal leader may be referred to as "Sayyid al-Qawm" (chief of the people). However, its absolute use should be reserved only for Allah Ta'ala, because true sovereignty belongs to Him alone.

➋ From this hadith, it is understood that the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) did not prefer this word for himself, whereas in some narrations he himself used the word "Sayyid" for himself. The reconciliation between these is as follows: the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) used this word to state the reality that Allah Ta'ala has granted him superiority over all humanity. This was not intended as self-exaltation, pride, or arrogance, as he himself clarified. As for the prohibition in this hadith, there could be two reasons:

• Those people were newly converted to Islam, and there was a concern that they might exaggerate in praise, just as the Jews and Christians exaggerated regarding their prophets and went astray. Therefore, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) forbade it as a preventive measure (sadd al-dhara'i).

• The Arabs used to address their worldly leaders in this manner. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) rejected this, indicating that he was not like those leaders, for his status and rank were due to prophethood and messengership. Therefore, he said: "Speak about the matter for which you have come, and do not be excessive in your speech regarding me. Rather, address me with the titles with which Allah Ta'ala has honored me, that is, by calling me Prophet (Nabi) and Messenger (Rasul)." Lest Satan mislead you and you begin to exaggerate.