Questioner: May Allah bestow goodness upon you, O Eminent Father سماحة الوالد. The questioner asks, 'What is the ruling on a young person addressing someone who

Sheikh Fawzān hafidahullah: Ascribing oneself to someone other than one’s biological father is a major sin. Using such a term is inappropriate, as it mirrors the actions of those who ascribe themselves to someone other than their actual fathers. However, if the term is used purely out of respect and reverence—such as addressing an elder as 'father' or 'uncle,' or a scholar as 'father'—then this is acceptable as an expression of respect and honour. In such cases, there is no harm in doing so, in-shā Allāh.