❖ The Sharʿī Ruling on Writing "Ḥāfiẓ" or "Ḥājjī" with One’s Name ❖
Question:
Nowadays, people often attach titles like “Ḥāfiẓ” or “Ḥājjī” to their names — on social media profiles, and even on official documents like ID cards. However, it is noted that the Companions (Ṣaḥābah) and pious predecessors (Salaf al-Ṣāliḥīn) did not use such titles with their names. What is the Islamic ruling regarding this practice?
The general principle is:
“ʿUrf (customary practice) is permissible as long as it does not conflict with Sharīʿah.”
So, writing titles such as “Ḥāfiẓ” (memorizer of the Qur'an) or “Ḥājjī” (one who has performed Ḥajj) with one’s name is permissible, provided the intention is not pride, self-promotion, or ostentation, and the practice does not violate any Islamic principle.
✔ Writing “Ḥāfiẓ” or “Ḥājjī” with one’s name is permissible in Sharīʿah as long as:
Question:Nowadays, people often attach titles like “Ḥāfiẓ” or “Ḥājjī” to their names — on social media profiles, and even on official documents like ID cards. However, it is noted that the Companions (Ṣaḥābah) and pious predecessors (Salaf al-Ṣāliḥīn) did not use such titles with their names. What is the Islamic ruling regarding this practice?
Answer by: Shaykh Qamar Ḥasan (حفظه الله)
The general principle is:
“ʿUrf (customary practice) is permissible as long as it does not conflict with Sharīʿah.”
So, writing titles such as “Ḥāfiẓ” (memorizer of the Qur'an) or “Ḥājjī” (one who has performed Ḥajj) with one’s name is permissible, provided the intention is not pride, self-promotion, or ostentation, and the practice does not violate any Islamic principle.
Key Clarification:
- The Ṣaḥābah and early generations did not use these titles, but that does not automatically render it impermissible, unless it leads to:
- Showing off (riyāʼ)
- Religious arrogance
- Creating false religious superiority
- If the usage is simply for identification, recognition, or due to social custom, and not for self-glorification, it falls under permissible ʿurf.
A Note of Caution
- If such titles become a means of boasting, social status elevation, or demanding extra respect unjustly, then they can lead to condemnable behavior and should be avoided.
- The real virtue lies in one’s taqwā, humility, and righteous deeds, not in external labels.
Conclusion
✔ Writing “Ḥāfiẓ” or “Ḥājjī” with one’s name is permissible in Sharīʿah as long as:
- It is done out of customary practice (ʿurf),
- Not intended for pride or ostentation,
- And does not contradict any Islamic teaching.
