Saying labaik ya Hussain

Q: As it is the month of Muharram, is it shirk to say labaik ya Hussain?

A: The ulama explain that the word "ya" is used when addressing someone who is present and is able to hear your address. Since Hazrat Hussein (radhiyallahu anhu) has passed away and is not present, this address cannot be made to him.

Apart from this, if one believes that the deceased whom one is calling has the ability to control the affairs of the world and is able to remove him from his difficulties, then one has committed shirk. Such a belief will take one out of the fold of Islam.

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

Answered by:

Mufti Zakaria Makada

Checked & Approved:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)