Calling a person Haaji

Q: I was given to understand that Haji/Alhaj denotes a pilgrim in Arabic Language. After one has fulfilled his Haj and removed his Ihraam and returns to his native country he is no longer a Haji, i.e., a pilgrim. But, in my country India,  Hajis after their return from Haj Pilgrimage,
add a mandatory prefix title to their name i.e., Alhaj Umar for example, wherever they include their names whether it be wedding or other social invitations, letters, banners, media, etc. 

  1. Is the usage of this prefix title of Alhaj allowed in Shariah even after a Haji returns from Haj?
  2. Will it not be classified under Riy'aa ?(Showing Off)

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A: 

  1. Yes.
  2. If the person is not doing it out of pride, it will not be regarded as riya.

And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.

 

Answered by:

Mufti Zakaria Makada

Checked & Approved:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)