Calling a Less-Educated Person “Mawlana”

Question

Question: What is the ruling on calling a person with little education “Mawlana” or “Mawlawi”?

Answer

By custom, in our region, a person with little education is not called “respected Mawlawi” or “respected Mawlana”; this title is used for one who has completed his studies and obtained a certificate (sanad). One who is still studying is also sometimes given this title, as a good omen (ta-fa’ulan).

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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