Question:Is it permissible to use the expression “Allāh Miyā̃” when referring to Allah Taʿālā?
Answer by Shaykh ʿAbd al-Wakīl Nāṣir (ḥafiẓahullāh)◉ Understanding the Term “Miyā̃”
The word “Miyā̃” (میاں) is used in various ways in the Urdu language:
① For a Husband
— Commonly used to refer to one's spouse (e.g., shauhar miyā̃).
② For a Broker or Middleman
— In some contexts, it refers to a dealer or intermediary.
③ As a Title of Respect
— Occasionally, it is used as an honorific or respectful form of address, especially for elders or revered personalities.
◉ Ruling on Using “Miyā̃” for Allah
✔ Since the word “Miyā̃” is multi-meaning and context-dependent, its use for Allah ﷻ is not ideal.
✔ Just as with the word “Khudā”, which has multiple historical and linguistic connotations, scholars recommend avoiding terms with ambiguous meanings when referring to Allah Taʿālā.
✔ It is always preferable to use the names and attributes of Allah that are proven in the Qur’an and authentic Sunnah — such as Ar-Raḥmān, Al-Khāliq, Al-Mālik, etc.
◉ Practical Guideline
If someone says “Allāh Miyā̃” out of habit or in a respectful tone, they are not to be harshly rebuked, especially if no ill intent is present. However, it is better and more appropriate (awlā) to refrain from using such expressions and to encourage the use of the correct, revealed names of Allah.
Summary
❖ There is no strict prohibition on saying “Allāh Miyā̃”,
❖ But due to the unclear and varied meanings of the word “Miyā̃”, it is better to avoid it when referring to Allah.
❖ Using the authentic names of Allah from the Qur’an and Sunnah is always preferred.
