Is there an authentic narration which disallows using the diminutive form when referring to a Masjid, the Holy Quran or Humans i.e. men and women?
Answer
Imam Daylami (rahimahullah) and others have recorded this narration. However, the Muhaddithun have declared the Hadith a fabrication. ‘Allamah Dhahabi (rahimahullah) states, ‘This text is unreliable [munkar] and resembles a fabrication.’
The Hadith is therefore not suitable to quote.
(Musnadul Firdaws, Hadith: 7678. Refer: Siyaru A’alamin Nubala, vol. 14 pg. 546, Dhaylul La-Alil Masnu’ah, vol. 2 pg. 742, Hadith: 916, Tanzihush Shari’ah, vol. 1 pg. 174 and pg. 226 and Al Masnu’, Hadith: 451)
Imam Abu Nu’aym (rahimahullah) has recorded the following, as the words of the senior Tabi’i, Sa’id ibn Al Musayyab (rahimahullah):
“Do not say ‘musayhif‘ and ‘musayjid‘ [i.e. the diminutive form of mushaf which refers to the Quran and the diminutive form of Masjid]. [These belong to Allah] so they are great, wonderful and beautiful”
(Hilyatul Awliya, vol. 2 pg. 173)
This version [i.e. the statement of Sa’id ibn Al Musayyab] may be quoted.
(Refer: Tanzihush Shari’ah, vol. 1 pg. 174)
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar