Question Summary:
Saying Ya Rasullallah

Question Detail:

My question is that is it permisible to say ya rasoolallah? alot of arabic nasheeds have this word in it where they refer to our prophet as o rasoolallah, however they do not have the intention of prophet muhummad being present. most people are saying that you can only use ya with allah however the arabs use ya for any person. they use it in nasheeds not to praise the prophet more than allah naoozobillah, but its just there way of calling out to someone. in our indian and pakistani community people make it seem like if you just say ya rasoolallah is a sin within itself. is this correct?

Answer :

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh
The word “Ya” is an Arabic word which is used for an individual to call someone and is referred to as the “Harf al Nida” whereas the person being called/invoked is termed as the “Munada” linguistically. It is permissible for one to use the word “Ya” to refer to Allah (Subhnahu Wa Ta’ala) as being omnipresent. The usage of the word “Ya” is not restricted to Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala) and can be used for any other individual provided this is done with the correct belief and practice.
In principle, if one says “Ya Rasool al-Allah or “Ya Muhammed” with the belief that Rasullullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) hears every sound, sees every action, etc, then it is impermissible and constitutes Shirk (polytheism).
 
If one believes that the words “Ya Rasullullah” or “Ya Muhammed” are being sent to Rasullullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) via the angels in the form of Durood and Salaam, then it is permissible for one to say such words.
 
However, if one utters such wordings out of extreme love for Rasullullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) without the incorrect belief that Rasullullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) listens to every word, sees us, etc, then it is merely Mubah (permissible) for one to utter such words.
 
Nevertheless, since many people have the incorrect belief that Rasullullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) is Hadhir and Nadhir (omnipresent), knower of the unseen or that Rasullullah (Sallalalhu Alayhi Wa Sallam) listens to one who pronounces the words “Ya Muhammed” or “Ya Rasullullah”, it is highly advisable that one refrains from uttering such words.
 
 
 
 
And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best
Ismail Desai,
Darul Iftaa