Question 433
Is it sunnah to say ‘Radiallahu anhu’ while saying sahaba’s name ?
Answer :
This is the practice of Muslims and scholars of Islam. I don’t know any narration that the tabiuun (students of Sahaba) use to say ‘Radiallahu anhu’ while mentioning the name of a companion. But it became a practice and a sign for companions to say ‘Radiallahu anhu’ while mentioning their names.
This action have a general proof that Allah have said ‘Radiallahu anhu’ while mentioning the companions as in Ayah in Surah At Tawbah – 100,
‘And the first to embrace Islam of the Muhajiroon (those who migrated from Makkah to AlMadinah) and the Ansar (the citizens of Al-Madinah who helped and gave aid to the Muhajiroon) and also those who followed them exactly (in Faith). Allah is well-pleased with them as they are wellpleased with Him.’
We cannot say it is an innovation as it is practice of Muslims and scholars of Islam and no scholar has said that it is bidah. Some scholars use to say ‘Radiallahu anhu’ while mentioning the names of some Imams like Abu Haneefah or Shafaee. It is better not to do that and restrict that to only companions.
However if ‘Radiallahu anhu’ is said while mentioning the name of a companion, then it is information that Allah has pleased with them as said ayah mentioned above. If it said while mentioning the names of other scholars who are not companions then it is dua for them.
Answered by : Shaykh Abu Bilal Al Hadhrami
Translated the summary of the answer by : AbdunNoor Al Hindi.