Is it permissible to use the term "father" (walid) for elderly Islamic scholars, noting that Christians use the term "pope" (papa) for their scholars, and that this term was not used by the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) or the early Muslims, and that Allah (our Lord) said concerning the Prophet (peace be upon him): "Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but he is the Messenger of Allah to you"?

It is permissible to use the term "father" (الأب) for an elder, whether he is a scholar or not. This is a linguistically sound metaphor, meaningfully permissible, and legally (religiously) sanctioned. The term "fathers" (الآباء) has been used in the Holy Qur'an to include paternal uncles, and "parents" (الأبوين) to include maternal aunts. Scholars have differed on applying the title "Father of the Believers" (أبو المؤمنين) to the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him. However, applying it to elderly people of knowledge and virtue is religiously permissible and falls under the category of honor and veneration. The one who uses this term is not considered a liar. The resemblance to Christians using the term "Pope" does not prevent its use due to the lexical commonality. The predecessors (Salaf) and successors (Khalaf) have used it to address elders as a means of identification and honor.