['Aalim Network QR] Titles of Islamic Scholars

[Mustafa Rawji <mrawji@aracnet.net>]

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|       In the Name of Allah, the Compassionate, the All-Merciful       |\
|  Greeting of Allah be upon Muhammad and the pure members of his House |\
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Salamun alaykum,

The reply to the following question was kindly provided by Shaykh Muhawesh.

Wasalaam,

Mustafa Rawji
Acting Moderator, 'Aalim Network
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QUESTION:

Assalamu alaikum
    
What is the distinction between the use of the title 'Shaykh', 'Sayyed' 
or 'HojotaIslam' when refering to a scholar of Islam?

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ANSWER: 

Wa-alaikum as-salam,

Shaykh conventionally ( In Howza circles) refers to a non-sayid student of
theology. In Arabic, it refers to the same as well as an old man. 

Sayid refers to the descendants of Ahlul-Bayt A.S.

Hojotlslam refers to students of theology and religious studies who have
finished as-sutuh** and started independent studies. 

Hojotlslam can be a Shaykh or a Sayid. 

These titles are used loosely and do not denote a degree or social status. 

[**As-sutuh refers to the books which students must study before being
admitted into the free study program commonly referred as "Albahth
Al-Kharij". Normally sutuh is finalized by studying "Keefayat al-usul"]. 

Allah knows best.

Odeh A. Muhawesh