Title of ‘Imaam’ for Hadrat Hussein Radiallahu Anhu

Question:-

Why do you address Imaam Bukhari Rahimahullah, Imaam Abu Hanifa Rahimahullah etc. as “Imaam” yet, you do not address Hadrat Hussein Radiallahu Anhu as “Imaam Hussein”? Why do you give the title of “Imaam” to those after the Sahaaba, but you don’t honour the Sahaba with this title?

Answer:-

1. There isn’t a title that is more superior than that of ‘Ashaab’ or ‘Sahaabah’. This is perhaps the most honourable title that can ever be achieved. The greatest Mufti of the Ummah was Hadrat Abdullah Bin Mas’ood Radiallahu Anhu, the greatest commentator of the Quraan Sharif was Hadrat Abdullah Bin Abbas Radiallahu Anhu, and the greatest Muhaddith was Hadrat Abu Hurairah Radiallahu Anhu. However, they are all referred as the “Companions” of Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam.

In our times, an expert of Fiqh is referred to as a ‘Mufti’, an expert of Tafseer as, ‘Mufassir’ and an expert of Hadith as, ‘Muhaddith’, as these are titles of honour for these individuals. However, there isn’t a title more superior than that of ‘Sahaabah’ or ‘Companions’. It is the belief of the Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaa’ah that, the greatest saint cannot come close to the lowest Companion of Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam. In conclusion, there was no need to afford any title to the Companions of Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam, except the title of ‘Sahaabah Radiallahu Anhum’.

Secondly, the belief of “Imaamat” is a belief amongst the Shias, which was invented by none other than Abdullah Bin Saba, who was a Jew. This belief negates the belief of Khatm-e-Nabuwaat and Khatm-e-Risaalat completely, whereas Nabuwwat, Risaalat, being infallible (Ma’soom), and getting revelation directly from Allah Ta’ala, ended with Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam. The Shias on the other hand, selected Sayyiduna Ali Radiallahu Anhu and a few luminaries from his progeny, and afforded to them the same virtues that are specific to Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam. They further state that these virtues will be perfected with the twelfth and final Imaam in such a manner that, after his arrival, even Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam will have to pledge allegiance to him and obey him! We seek protection of Allah! It is on this basis that they refer to Sayyiduna Hussein Radiallahu Anhu as their “Imaam” hence, we should be careful of their hidden objectives and plots and never fall prey to their agendas.                       

ALLAH TA’ALA KNOWS BEST!

ANSWERED BY:

Mufti Mohammed Desai

Date: 13 Safar 1444 / 10 September 2022