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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Mikyalul Makarim Fee Fawaaid ad-Duaa Lil Qai’m vol. 2 2: To Be Respectful While Mentioning Him A believer should always mention Imam (as) with the best of the titles. For example, Hujjat, Qaim, Mahdi, Sahibul Amr and Sahibuz-Zaman etc. He should refrain from uttering his actual name, which is the name of Holy Prophet (S): (M-H-M-D). There are varying opinions among the scholars, as regards the pronouncing of the name of Imam (as).

Some have prohibited it, except in Taqayyah. For example Muhaddith Amili in Wasiail ;[^1] and some have absolutely prohibited it, like Shaykh Mufeed and Shaykh Tabarsi (q.s.). Some think that it is definitely Haraam, but in supplications received from the Holy Imams (as) Ismail bin Ahmad Alawi Aqeeli Tabarsi (q.s.) is of this view mentioned in Kifayatul Muwahhideen. There are others who think that it is permitted but despicable; like Shaykh Muhaqqiq Ansari (q.s.).

Some scholars are of the view that to pronounce the name of the Imam is prohibited in gatherings and not in other instances; like Sayyid Muhaqqiq Mir Damad and Muhaddith Noori (q.s.). Certain scholars think that the prohibition is only during the time of Minor Occultation, although I don’t know of any particular scholar who is of this view. From the statement of Allamah Majlisi in Biharul Anwar[^2] it is seen that some are of this view, and Allah is all-knowing.

It is possible that this statement be referred back to the first view, from the aspect of special emphasis on Taqayyah during the period of the Minor Occultation as is very much clear. In any case we can conclude that the issue of mentioning the Imam’s name is from the following types: Type 1: It is allowed to mention the name of Imam (as) in books, in discussion connected with him. There is no doubt about it.

The legality of this is proved from the practice of all past scholars and also the fact that none of them have ever objected to this practice. Type 2: No one have even prohibited the mention of Imam (as) by indication or cue. Like saying that the name of Imam (as) is the same as the name of the Holy Prophet (S). The tradition of the Messenger of Allah (S) narrated by the Shia as well as Sunni scholars through various chains of narrators says, “Mahdi is from my progeny.