The sanctuary of the Master
Calling someone “master” is permissible for Allah Almighty describes Yahya (John the Baptist) (peace be upon him) as
{a master}
[Surat Āl ‘Imrān: 39]
And the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) also said:
“I am the master of the children of Adam, and I am not bragging.”
[Narrated by Muslim]
In another Hadīth, the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said about Sa‘dibn Mu‘ādh:
“Stand for your master.”
[Narrated by Al-Bukhāri]
There is no contradiction between this and the Hadīth that says:
“The master is Allah.”
[Narrated by Abu Dāwūd; Sahīh (authentic)]
The believers take “the master of people” to mean their leader and Imam.
“I am the master of the children of Adam, and I am not bragging.”
[Narrated by Muslim]
In another Hadīth, the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said about Sa‘d ibn Mu‘ādh:
“Stand for your master.”
[Narrated by Al - Bukhāri]
There is no contradiction between this and the Hadīth that says:
“The master is Allah.”
[Narrated by Abu Dāwūd; Sahīh (authentic)]
The believers take “the master of people” to mean their leader and Imam.
When the Arabs say “so-and-so is our master”, they mean: He is our leader whom we respect and revere.
As for describing Allah as the Master, this means that He is the Lord of all creatures, and they are all slaves to Him.
The Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) forbade it when it was said to him: “You are our master.”
He said:
“The Mas ter is Allah. Say what you like, or some of what you like, but do not let the devil overcome you.”
[Narrat ed by Abu Dāwūd; Sahīh (authentic)]
This points out how the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) was so keen to protect monotheism and block the means to polytheism.He also disliked that people should praise him to his face, though they would only say what is true. In a Hadīth, he (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said:
“I am the master of the children of Adam.”
[Narrated by Mus lim]
He feared that they might be deeply attached and submissive to any created being in a way that can only be devoted to Allah, the One God, the Superb Vanquisher.
“The Master is Allah. Say what you like, or some of what you like, but do not let the devil overcome you.”
[Narrated by Abu Dāwūd; Sahīh (authentic)]
This points out how the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) was so keen to protect monotheism and block the means to polytheism.
He also disliked that people should praise him to his face, though they would only say what is true. In a Hadīth, he (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said:
“I am the master of the children of Adam.”
[Narrated by Muslim]
He feared that they might be deeply attached and submissive to any created being in a way that can only be devoted to Allah, the One God, the Superb Vanquisher.
O Allah, we implore You by Your name “As-Sayyid” to elevate our rank and remove our burdens; indeed You are Able to do all things.
