Takhrīj al-Ḥadīth – Fatāwā

✍🏻 Answer: "All praises and thanks be to Allāh Alone, and prayers and salutations be upon the one after whom there are no Prophets."

Some terms are used as Islāmic terminologies, while others become specific to certain people. In such cases, the consideration and recognition of customary usage becomes necessary, otherwise misunderstandings may arise.

Writing 'raḍiyallāhu 'anhu' (may Allāh be pleased with him) after the names of the companions of the Prophet Muḥammad (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) has become an accepted 'urf (common customary practice and terminology). To the extent that if this is said with someone else, in general usage, it would also be assumed that they are a companion, just as the term 'raḥimahullāh' (may Allāh have mercy upon him) has become specific for the deceased.

If you were to use 'raḥimahullāh' or 'raḥmatullāh 'alayh' with the name of a living person, the listener might immediately understand that the person has passed away. It could even lead to the question: "When did the person become 'raḥimahullāh' from 'ḥafiẓahullāh'!"

Therefore, those phrases which have become specific for certain people (according to the context of customs), they must be used in the same context.

This is our answer, and Allāh knows the best.