Five Clarifications on Not Using the Title “Hazrat” Before the Names of the Companions
Objection:
Some individuals have noticed in a book published by Bait al-Salam that the word “Hazrat” has been omitted before the names of the Companions (رضي الله عنهم).
They claim that this is an act of disrespect towards the Companions and allege that not using “Hazrat” is a sign of affiliation with the Zaydi sect.
The Companions (رضي الله عنهم) are the best people of this Ummah.
Question: Since when has the use of the word “Hazrat” become a condition for expressing love?
If the principle is correct that not saying “Hazrat” implies disrespect, then it must be proven from the great Imams of Ahl al-Sunnah:
◈ Imam Abu Hanifah (رحمه الله)
◈ Imam Abu Yusuf (رحمه الله)
◈ Imam Muhammad (رحمه الله)
◈ Imam Malik (رحمه الله)
◈ Imam al-Shafi‘i (رحمه الله)
◈ Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal (رحمه الله)
None of these Imams used the word “Hazrat” before the names of the Companions in their works.
The scholars of Hadith narrated from the Companions in their books, yet in no authentic Hadith collection does “Hazrat” appear before a Companion’s name.
If someone writes “Umm al-Mu’minin ʿAishah (رضي الله عنها)” instead of “Hazrat ʿAishah,” and a person calls this disrespect or poor etiquette, such a stance is unfounded.
For example, in the discussion on ghusl on pages 26 and 36 of the book, the phrase used is:
"Umm al-Mu’minin ʿAishah (رضي الله عنها)"
If anyone sees this as disrespect, it is purely their personal perception.
In one of ʿAbd al-Jabbar Hafizahullah’s passages, the name of Imam Abu Hanifah (رحمه الله) was accidentally omitted — this was an error.
Insha’Allah, this will be corrected in the next edition.
We appreciate the correction and pray for Allah to grant us all a correct understanding of the religion. (Ameen)
In Darussalam’s edition of Salah of the Prophet ﷺ, the word “Hazrat” was inserted before the names of the Companions — this was their own addition, not from the original text of the author.
This constitutes a textual alteration of the original work.
It was done without permission or notification, which is neither ethically nor Islamically permissible.
In August 2008, “Hazrat” was removed and replaced with “Sayyiduna,” but along with this change, further modifications were made to the text.
Combining all these points makes for a broad discussion.
However, as a student of knowledge, the author advises:
"The real effort should be in refuting shirk and kufr, and in dedicating our energy to strengthening belief in Allah, His Messenger ﷺ, and the Hereafter."
If instead of Salah of the Prophet ﷺ, a scholarly refutation had been made of my original book Shirk-based Beliefs in the Name of Love for the Prophet ﷺ, I would have been more pleased.
❖ Misconception and Its Clarification:
Objection:
Some individuals have noticed in a book published by Bait al-Salam that the word “Hazrat” has been omitted before the names of the Companions (رضي الله عنهم).
They claim that this is an act of disrespect towards the Companions and allege that not using “Hazrat” is a sign of affiliation with the Zaydi sect.
1 — The Honour of the Companions Is Beyond Titles
The Companions (رضي الله عنهم) are the best people of this Ummah.
- Regarding those who participated in Badr and Hudaybiyyah, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
None of them will enter Hell.
(Sahih Muslim) - The Prophet ﷺ declared the methodology of the Companions to be the hallmark of the Saved Sect.
- Love for the Companions is part of faith, and only a hypocrite harbors hatred towards them.
Question: Since when has the use of the word “Hazrat” become a condition for expressing love?
2 — Scholarly Precedent and Authentic Practice
If the principle is correct that not saying “Hazrat” implies disrespect, then it must be proven from the great Imams of Ahl al-Sunnah:
◈ Imam Abu Hanifah (رحمه الله)
◈ Imam Abu Yusuf (رحمه الله)
◈ Imam Muhammad (رحمه الله)
◈ Imam Malik (رحمه الله)
◈ Imam al-Shafi‘i (رحمه الله)
◈ Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal (رحمه الله)
None of these Imams used the word “Hazrat” before the names of the Companions in their works.
The scholars of Hadith narrated from the Companions in their books, yet in no authentic Hadith collection does “Hazrat” appear before a Companion’s name.
3 — On the Names of the Mothers of the Believers
If someone writes “Umm al-Mu’minin ʿAishah (رضي الله عنها)” instead of “Hazrat ʿAishah,” and a person calls this disrespect or poor etiquette, such a stance is unfounded.
For example, in the discussion on ghusl on pages 26 and 36 of the book, the phrase used is:
"Umm al-Mu’minin ʿAishah (رضي الله عنها)"
If anyone sees this as disrespect, it is purely their personal perception.
4 — Correction of an Editorial Error
In one of ʿAbd al-Jabbar Hafizahullah’s passages, the name of Imam Abu Hanifah (رحمه الله) was accidentally omitted — this was an error.
Insha’Allah, this will be corrected in the next edition.
We appreciate the correction and pray for Allah to grant us all a correct understanding of the religion. (Ameen)
5 — The Addition of “Hazrat” in Published Editions
In Darussalam’s edition of Salah of the Prophet ﷺ, the word “Hazrat” was inserted before the names of the Companions — this was their own addition, not from the original text of the author.
This constitutes a textual alteration of the original work.
It was done without permission or notification, which is neither ethically nor Islamically permissible.
In August 2008, “Hazrat” was removed and replaced with “Sayyiduna,” but along with this change, further modifications were made to the text.
Final Word from the Author
Combining all these points makes for a broad discussion.
However, as a student of knowledge, the author advises:
"The real effort should be in refuting shirk and kufr, and in dedicating our energy to strengthening belief in Allah, His Messenger ﷺ, and the Hereafter."
If instead of Salah of the Prophet ﷺ, a scholarly refutation had been made of my original book Shirk-based Beliefs in the Name of Love for the Prophet ﷺ, I would have been more pleased.
