Getting Sheikh's Autograph?

[luqmanhakim]

Assalamualaikum,

Right after the class was over this evening, I went to see Sheikh Yaser and asked him if he didn't mind giving me his autograph on my Love Notes notebook. He seemed a little surprised with the request but agreed to write his name instead, and I was still very pleased and grateful alhamdulillah.

However, when some brothers saw this, I instantly received these "masyaAllah"s and the looks that show how surprised they were with my action. I couldn't really recall their specific comments but generally they didn't expect me to do such thing, or something like that.

I was and still am confused with this. I wonder if what I did is haraam, makrooh, or something. May I know what is the ruling on getting the autograph of the person whom you really respect and grateful to be able to learn from, in this case, your favorite teacher?

Jazakumullah khair.

[Abu Hurayrah]

Wa `alaykumussalaam wa Rahmatullaahi wa Barakatuhu

Being one of the brothers that said, "maa shaa Allaah" at seeing it, I will just say I was surprised at the request, and surprised at the shaykh's obliging it. It is definitely a first for me.

Without trying to make what you did sound like something wrong, I just associate the processing of getting autographs with celebrities - namely, entertainers.

I do not know that it is haraam, but what do I know. That is definitely not why I was surprised at that exchange. It was just surprise, from both side.s

[Abdulbary Yahya]

I would advise that the next time you ask for an autograph from a shaykh, ask for a du'a from him in writing instead.

Wa Allahu a'alam.

[UmmSakinah]

Autograph from Sheikh Yaser? First time I am hearing this as well! Never would have thought of it.

I would think more along the lines of having my children shake hands with the Sheikh and wanna be like him when they grow up (what Ustadh Muhammad said in HOK in Chicago).


Now at least my children won't confuse Yasir Qadhi with Yaser Birjas, now I just need to clarify the distinction between Muhammad Alshareef and Ammu Basil for them.

They remember Sheikh Abdulbary already (crusty underwear story they can't forget).

[Abu Hurayrah]

Now at least my children won't confuse Yasir Qadhi with Yaser Birjas, now I just need to clarify the distinction between Muhammad Alshareef and Ammu Basil for them.Yeah, once they meet Ustaadh Muhammad, they'll never make that mistake again...: -D

[Precious Pearl]

I would advise that the next time you ask for an autograph from a shaykh, ask for a du'a from him in writing instead.

Wa Allahu a'alam.I agree with thought mashaAllah. Sh. Muhammed Jibaly signed a book for me that he wrote when he was Toronto years ago and I asked for a dua and he wrote the most amazing dua mashaAllah. I think the dua was more beneficial to me than just his name Alhamdulillah.

[craving-jannah]

I would advise that the next time you ask for an autograph from a shaykh, ask for a du'a from him in writing instead.

Wa Allahu a'alam.
Thats a gr8 advice. Jazeek Allah Khayr shaykh. I neve thought about getting dua in writing...i guess it stays more with you than asking verbally.

note: ya shaykh, bring your sneakers the next time you come to hayl insHAllah.

-3rif

[mahin]

I remember asking Yasir Qadhi if he would autograph one of his books for me..and he gave me this look like "i should smack you just for asking".

[Abu Hurayrah]

I remember asking Yasir Qadhi if he would autograph one of his books for me..and he gave me this look like "i should smack you just for asking".I think I personally gave that look to a lot of people this weekend...but I don't think anyone was asking for my autograph...

[luqmanhakim]

thank you for the replies everyone. beside getting the autograph out of respect, I also did it for the sake of memorization. I am sort of a visual kind of person when it comes to memorizing stuff. so in the future, when I need to recall something from the class, I would form in my head this image of the event that took place during the class. I just thought the sheikh's autograph on my notebook will help me form the image better, which means I'll be able to recall better.

but insyaAllah next time I will not only ask for the sheikh's autograph but also a written du'a for me to put into practice.

jazakumullah fellow haylers.

[UmmSakinah]

wa iyyak...you managed to get Sheikh Abdulbary to post here.

Glad you enjoyed the class, inshaallah it will help you when you get back home. ameen.

[Abu Hurayrah]

thank you for the replies everyone. beside getting the autograph out of respect, I also did it for the sake of memorization. I am sort of a visual kind of person when it comes to memorizing stuff. so in the future, when I need to recall something from the class, I would form in my head this image of the event that took place during the class. I just thought the sheikh's autograph on my notebook will help me form the image better, which means I'll be able to recall better.

but insyaAllah next time I will not only ask for the sheikh's autograph but also a written du'a for me to put into practice.

jazakumullah fellow haylers.I hope their response didn't drive you away, but seeing as how you're responding, alhamdulillaah, it's a learning experience for everyone.