Note:

If someone teaches you a book from cover to cover, or a chapter from a book, or even a single matter of knowledge, they become your Sheikh in that particular matter of knowledge according to Sheikhul Islām's statement. However, this does not make them a 'Sheikh' in the general sense. Who deserves the title 'Sheikh'? https://t.me/madrasatuna/1876 So the term Sheikh (in reference to knowledge) has two usages: 1. Confined to a particular issue of knowledge. 2. Unconfined - referring to a person of knowledge in the general sense. After noting the above, the discrepancy in Hassan As-Somali's answer should become obvious: Hassan As-Somali (Spubs member) was asked the following question (paraphrasing): “You guys (Spubs) used to tell us there's no scholars in the West, but now we see your names appearing on posters as Sheikh Abu Khadeeja, Sheikh Abu Hakeem, Sheikh...why is that?” He responded (paraphrasing): “This issue has been dealt with...Sheikhul Islam said: anyone who teaches you something is your Sheikh...” (End of quote). Can you see why it's important to make the above distinction? Just because someone imparts knowledge, it does not make them a 'Sheikh' in the general sense intended by the questioner. Yes, they may be your Sheikh in the limited sense stated by Sheikhul Islam, but this does not warrant the title 'Sheikh' so much so that they are addressed with this title in person and on posters.