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Difference between a Sheikh and a Maulana

Answered as per Hanafi Fiqh by DarulUloomTT.net

Q. I was looking at the graduates section on the website and I was wondering what is the difference between a Sheik and a Maulana.


A. In the Middle East countries, the scholars have chosen to use the word ‘Shaikh’ for one who graduates in higher Islamic studies. The word Shaikh literally means ‘an old person’ or a chief, leader, respected person, etc., and it had been used as a mark of respect for one who is a religious scholar.

The word ‘Maulana’ has also been used as a mark of respect for a religious scholar and has been used mostly in the Indo-Pak continent, and in UK and other places. ‘Maulana’ literally means ‘our leader’, and it is permissible in Islam for one to use it for a religious scholar.

And Allah knows best.

Mufti Waseem Khan

This answer was collected from DarulUloomTT.net, which is operated under the supervision of Mufti Waseem Khan from Darul Uloom Trinidad and Tobago.

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