Calling a person Haafiz

Q: In local culture, when we address a hafiz of the Quran, we add the name "Hafiz" before mentioning his name, e.g. "Hafiz Zeid". Is this counted as a bida', or is it just a form of respect that we should continue upholding?

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A: Adab requires that we respect and honour people in accordance to their position and status. Hence people accord the title Haafiz to the one who has memorised the Qur'an. This is not a bid'ah. 

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

أن عائشة رضي الله عنها مر بها سائل فأعطته كسرة ومر بها رجل عليه ثياب وهيئة فأقعدته فأكل فقيل لها فى ذلك فقالت قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم أنزلوا الناس منازلهم (سنن أبي داود # 4844)

Answered by:

Mufti Zakaria Makada

Checked & Approved:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)