Source: Fatawa 'Ulama-e-Hadith, Kitab al-Salah, Volume 1
What is the meaning of Sayyiduna, and can this term be used equally for both the Ahl al-Bayt and the Sahabah (Companions)?
Please respond quickly. May Allah reward you.
In the Qur'an, Hadith, and classical Arabic language, the term "Sayyid" is an honorific title meaning leader or chief.
The term "Sayyiduna" means "our leader", similar to expressions used in everyday language such as "Janab", "Sir", or "Shri" in Hindi.
In the Qur'an, Hadith, and Arabic lexicons, both classical and modern, this title is used not only for the righteous servants of Allah but also for non-Muslim leaders. This indicates that the concept of leadership can refer to both worldly status (wealth, authority) and spiritual or moral excellence.
The Qur'an mentions how the sinful and denying masses will complain on the Day of Judgment:
وَقَالُوا رَبَّنَا إِنَّا أَطَعْنَا سَادَتَنَا وَكُبَرَاءَنَا فَأَضَلُّونَا السَّبِيلَا، رَبَّنَا آتِهِمْ ضِعْفَيْنِ مِنَ الْعَذَابِ وَالْعَنْهُمْ لَعْنًا كَبِيرًا
Translation: And they will say, “Our Lord, indeed we obeyed our leaders and our great ones, and they misled us from the
What is the meaning of Sayyiduna, and can this term be used equally for both the Ahl al-Bayt and the Sahabah (Companions)?
Please respond quickly. May Allah reward you.
In the Qur'an, Hadith, and classical Arabic language, the term "Sayyid" is an honorific title meaning leader or chief.
The term "Sayyiduna" means "our leader", similar to expressions used in everyday language such as "Janab", "Sir", or "Shri" in Hindi.
In the Qur'an, Hadith, and Arabic lexicons, both classical and modern, this title is used not only for the righteous servants of Allah but also for non-Muslim leaders. This indicates that the concept of leadership can refer to both worldly status (wealth, authority) and spiritual or moral excellence.
The Qur'an mentions how the sinful and denying masses will complain on the Day of Judgment:
وَقَالُوا رَبَّنَا إِنَّا أَطَعْنَا سَادَتَنَا وَكُبَرَاءَنَا فَأَضَلُّونَا السَّبِيلَا، رَبَّنَا آتِهِمْ ضِعْفَيْنِ مِنَ الْعَذَابِ وَالْعَنْهُمْ لَعْنًا كَبِيرًا
Translation: And they will say, “Our Lord, indeed we obeyed our leaders and our great ones, and they misled us from the
path. Our Lord, give them double the punishment and curse them with a great curse.”
According to Taj al-‘Arus by Sayyid Murtada Husayn Zabidi:
"السيد الذى فاق غيره بالعقل و المال و لدفع و لنفع…"
The Sayyid is one who surpasses others in intellect and wealth, who benefits and supports others, who is generous in giving rights, who helps with his own self. Sayyid denotes nobility, leadership, and self-restraint…
According to Lisan al-‘Arab by Ibn Manzur:
"السيد الرب، المالک، الفاضل، الکريم، الحليم…"
Sayyid means lord, owner, a person of virtue, nobility, patience, and one who bears the burden of his people. It also denotes husband, leader, and one who stays ahead of others.
Nowhere in the Qur’an, Sunnah, or Arabic language is "Sayyid" used exclusively for a specific group called "Sayyid Qawm" (a people of Sayyids). Rather, it is used as a term of respect and honor.
Therefore, it is permissible to use "Sayyiduna" for both the Companions (Sahabah) and the Ahl al-Bayt (Note: Here, Ahl al-Bayt refers to the noble family of the Prophet ﷺ, not the concept held by modern-day Shia). There is no valid basis to restrict this title only to the Ahl al-Bayt.
According to Taj al-‘Arus by Sayyid Murtada Husayn Zabidi:
"السيد الذى فاق غيره بالعقل و المال و لدفع و لنفع…"
The Sayyid is one who surpasses others in intellect and wealth, who benefits and supports others, who is generous in giving rights, who helps with his own self. Sayyid denotes nobility, leadership, and self-restraint…
According to Lisan al-‘Arab by Ibn Manzur:
"السيد الرب، المالک، الفاضل، الکريم، الحليم…"
Sayyid means lord, owner, a person of virtue, nobility, patience, and one who bears the burden of his people. It also denotes husband, leader, and one who stays ahead of others.
Nowhere in the Qur’an, Sunnah, or Arabic language is "Sayyid" used exclusively for a specific group called "Sayyid Qawm" (a people of Sayyids). Rather, it is used as a term of respect and honor.
Therefore, it is permissible to use "Sayyiduna" for both the Companions (Sahabah) and the Ahl al-Bayt (Note: Here, Ahl al-Bayt refers to the noble family of the Prophet ﷺ, not the concept held by modern-day Shia). There is no valid basis to restrict this title only to the Ahl al-Bayt.
