Avoiding the Word “I” in Scholarly Writings

Question

In the Persian preface to al-Hidaya, on p. 15, it is stated that the author of al-Hidaya did not use the first-person word (متکلم) in order to avoid the mode of self-assertion (انانیت), and by saying “قال العبد الضعيف” (“the weak servant said”), he meant himself. (1) Why did the author of al-Hidaya avoid such self-assertion? What is the reason for this? (2) If people of knowledge, like the author of al-Hidaya, avoid the form “I” in their writings, how do the scholars regard such avoidance? (3)

Answer

(1) If uttering or writing the word “I” gives rise to a proud self-regard in the heart, or leads others to suspect arrogance, then in such a case it is proper for the speaker to avoid the form “I”. But if the mind is free [of such intentions], there is no need to avoid it.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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