❀ Question:
What is the ruling on calling an ordinary person “Muḥsin-e-Insāniyat” (Benefactor of Humanity)?
❖ Answer by:
Al-ʿĀlim al-Faḍīl Ḥāfiẓ Khidr Ḥayāt (حفظه الله)
Al-Bāḥith al-Faḍīl Kāmrān Ilāhī Ẓahīr (حفظه الله)
◈ Linguistic Perspective:
The term “Muḥsin-e-Insāniyat” literally means:
“One who does good and shows kindness to humanity.”
Linguistically, this description can be true even for an ordinary person who shows benevolence and care for people.
Therefore, from a linguistic point of view, there is scope for its usage, just as terms like:
✔ “Muḥsin-e-Pākistān” (Benefactor of Pakistan)
✔ “Muḥsin-e-Ahl-e-Ḥadīth” (Benefactor of the Ahl al-Ḥadīth)
are commonly used.
◈ Aspect of Caution:
However, it is better to avoid using the title “Muḥsin-e-Insāniyat” for a common member of the Ummah, because:
✔ This title is commonly associated with the Messenger of Allah ﷺ,
✔ And using it for someone else may lead to misunderstanding or create an unwarranted comparison with the Prophet ﷺ,
✔ Such implications are inappropriate and must be avoided.
وَالله أَعْلَم
◈ Further Clarification:
While linguistically permissible, the prudent and respectful approach is to refrain from using this title for anyone other than the Prophet ﷺ.
