Should we address Sheikh Sudais as "His Excellency" "His holiness" ??? Never.

Imam Al Sudais's India visit to lecture at the Deoband seminary is sending some sections of the Muslim community into overdrive. I received a card from the India Islamic Cultural Centre (IICC) in Delhi to attend an address by 'His Holiness', Imam-e-Haram, Dr Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al Sudais, presently imam of the mosque in Mecca. The accompanying letter details the imam's achievements including his educational degrees in sharia law. In 2005, he received 'The Islamic Personality of the Year' award and stood nominated for the Dubai International Quran Award, which he accepted.  

The 'His Holiness' came as a jolt, for no such prefixes have ever been added to Prophet Muhammad's name or that of his companions, who rank the highest in Muslim piety.

As one devoted to Islam, i believe using the Quran to name an award belittles the sanctity of God's word and borders on blasphemy. Legitimising such an award by its acceptance seems a worse action. The early history of Islam contains no examples of spiritual or religious leaders accepting state or private awards. On the contrary, sharia and prophetic traditions frown upon those who seek or allow public adulation, for all righteous deeds are for God alone.

The Deoband leadership has requested that Al Sudais not be frisked during his visit to Parliament. Due respect must be accorded to the visiting imam, because he leads the prayers at the Kaabah. This reverence flows from 'where' the prayers are led and not because of 'who' the imam is. To quote Arshad Madani of the Jamiat-e-Ulama-e-Hind, "Sheikh Al Sudais is the highest religious leader of the Muslims". This is misleading because Al Sudais merely represents the highest-ranking sacred space.

Sadia Dehlvi in Times of India. More Here and Here.

Sheikh Sudais visits Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Headquarters

Shekh Sudais and his associates with Ameer-e-Jamaat Moulana Jalaluddin Umari, Moulana Iqbal Mullah and Janab H Abdur Raqeeb

The Foundation for Students’ Islamic Centre was laid by Dr. Shaykh Abdur Rehman Al Sudais, Imam, Masjid-e-Haram, Mecca, Saudi Arabia at the Students Islamic Organisation of India (SIO)’s Headquarters.

Sheikh Sudais was greeted and welcomed ...by an overwhelming gathering of intellectuals, scholars, Ulemas, students and other dignitaries from across the country that gathered to witness the historic event. 

Foundation stone is being unveiled

Addressing the audience after laying the Foundation Stone, Sheikh Sudais expressing gratitude and joy said that SIO’s role is indeed of great importance in service of the Indian society. He further expressed that the student community is a vital source of development and progress of the world. He appreciated the activities of SIO and congratulated for ensuring the service of student community in the form of Students Islamic Centre. 

Sheikh addressing the students at SIO

A grand reception for the Sheikh in Jamaat Markaz

Muhammad Azharuddin, President – SIO introduced the organisation and welcomed His Excellency to the student gathering. The foundation stone was laid in the presence of Mohd. Azharuddin, President – SIO; Maulana Syed Jalaluddin Umari, Ameer, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH); Abdul Aziz Swaleh, Secretary – Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; Prof. Siddique Hasan, Vice-President, JIH; Moulana Muhammad Jaffer, Vice-President, JIH; P.M. Salih, Secretary General – SIO; Shaukat Ali, Secretary – SIO, Sharique Ansar, Secretary – SIO; Shaikh Shoaib, Secretary – SIO and other invitees.

From a report in SIO website. More Here 

I am very happy with the work of SIO

The imam commended the Students Islamic Organization of India (SIO), which is building the center, for its efforts in spreading the message and culture of Islam among the student community. The SIO has branches in most Indian states as well as in GCC countries.

“I am very happy to learn that the SIO is playing an important role in the Indian society,” the imam said. “The student community is a vital source of development and progress for any country,” he said. He wished every success for the student center project.

Earlier, SIO President Muhammad Azharuddin welcomed the imam and introduced his organization. “We are greatly honored to have Your Excellency to launch this Islamic center project,” he said.

The SIO works for preparing students and youth for the reconstruction of society in the light of divine guidance, Azharuddin said. “The SIO believes that the real function of education should be to impart genuine knowledge about life, existence and future,” he added.

The ceremony at the SIO headquarters was attended by President of Indian Jamaat-e-Islami Syed Jalaluddin Umari, the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs’ Abdul Aziz Swaleh, Jamaat vice presidents Siddique Hassan and Muhammad Jaafar, SIO’s secretary-general P.M. Saleh and other dignitaries.

The imam emphasized the importance of inculcating the values professed by the sahaba (the Prophet’s companions) in the daily lives of Muslims. He urged parents to bring up their children on these values. “A special TV channel should be set up to ensure that people get to know about the noble lives of the sahaba and their values and messages,” the imam said.

A report in Arab News. More Here