Chapter 250
Remembrance 1 from Chapter 250
The acceptability of kunyahs and the desirability of addressing people by them
Context
THIS SUBJECT IS too well-known for us to need to mention any texts. This rule is common to the distinguished and the general public. It is good etiquette to address people of virtue by their kunyah, and also to use it when writing a letter to them or reporting a narration from them. One should say: ‘It has been reported to us by the Shaykh or Imam, father of So-and-so, or So-and-so the father of So-and-so, etc.’ It is good etiquette not to mention one’s own kunyah in a book or elsewhere, unless he is only known by his kunyah or his kunyah is better known than his name.