Question

Is there an authentic narration which disallows using the diminutive form when referring to a Masjid, the Holy Quran or Humans i.e., men and women?

 

Answer

Imam Daylami (rahimahullah) and others have recorded this narration. However, the Muhaddithun have declared the Hadith a fabrication. ‘Allamah Dhahabi (rahimahullah) states, “This text is unreliable [munkar] and resembles a fabrication.”

The Hadith is therefore not suitable to quote.

(Musnadul Firdaws, Hadith: 7678. Refer: Siyaru A’lamin Nubala, vol. 14 pg. 546, Dhaylul La-Alil Masnu’ah, vol. 2, pg. 742, Hadith: 916, Tanzihush Shari’ah, vol. 1, pg. 174 and pg. 226 and Al Masnu’, Hadith: 451)

Imam Abu Nu’aym (rahimahullah) has recorded the following, as the words of the senior Tabi’i, Sa’id ibn Al Musayyab (rahimahullah):

“Do not say ‘musayhif‘ and ‘musayjid‘ [i.e., the diminutive form of mushaf which refers to the Quran and the diminutive form of Masjid]. [These belong to Allah] so they are great, wonderful and beautiful”

(Hilyatul Awliya, vol. 2, pg. 173)

This version [i.e., the statement of Sa’id ibn Al Musayyab] may be quoted.

(Refer: Tanzihush Shari’ah, vol. 1, pg. 174)

 

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

Answered by: Mawlana Suhail Motala

Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar

Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar