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Ruling on calling stores Seedi and Sayyidati

18-10-2008

Question 112022

What is the ruling on calling photo studios and clothing stores for men and women Seedi and Sayyidati?
[Translator’s note: the word “Sayyid” literally means “master”; seedi is a contraction of “sayyidi” which literally means “my master.” It is sometimes used as an equivalent of the English “Mister” or “Sir”. The feminine form “sayyidati” may be translated as “my lady”].

Answer

Praise be to Allah.

It is not permissible to give the names Seedi and Sayyidati to stores and businesses, because this applies to all the customers, some of who are kaafirs, and calling a kaafir by such names is haraam. There may also be hypocrites and evildoers among them, and in a saheeh hadeeth it says that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Do not say ‘Sayyid’ (master) to a munaafiq (hypocrite), because if he is really your master then you have angered your Lord.”” Narrated by Ahmad and Abu Dawood. 

And Allaah is the Source of strength. May Allaah send blessings and peace upon our Prophet Muhammad and his family and companions. End quote. 

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