Ref. No. 41/1025
In the name of Allah the most gracious the most merciful
The answer to your question is as follows:
The word ‘abu’ means ‘father’ and also ‘possessor’. In names the word ‘abu’ refers to ‘possessor’. Hence, ‘Abul-ala’ means ‘possessor of high qualities’. So there is no iota of shirk in such names. People use the word ‘Maududi’ to express their association with Maulna Maududi sb.
And Allah knows best
Darul Ifta
Darul Uloom Waqf Deoband