Q: What is the ruling on giving the title of Qutb (Sufi title denoting a "Perfect Master") or Ghawth (Source of Succor) to some Awliya' (pious people)? Is this permissible?

A: The two titles Qutb and Ghawth do not have any basis in Allah's Purified Shar` (Law). These terms are invented by some extremist Sufis. Accordingly, giving these titles to some Awliya' (pious people) is not permissible. Some misguided people understand such terms to mean that such a Qutb or Ghawth can run the affairs of the universe and fulfill people's needs. This is Kufr (disbelief) that contradicts Tawhid (belief in the Oneness of Allah/ monotheism) because Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) revealed the Scriptures, and sent the Messengers to worship Him Alone without partners or associates. He (Exalted be He) commanded all creatures to resort and supplicate to Him Alone to bestow upon them all good and ward off harm. Allah (Exalted be He) says: Is not He (better than your gods) Who responds to the distressed one, when he calls on Him, and Who removes the evil, and makes you inheritors of the earth, generations after generations? Is there any ilâh (god) with Allâh? Little is that you remember! (Part No. 2; Page No. 84) He (Exalted be He) says: And if Allâh touches you with harm, there is none who can remove it but He, and if He intends any good for you, there is none who can repel His Favour which He causes it to reach whomsoever of His slaves He wills. And He is the Oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful. He (Glorified be He) also says: Say: “None in the heavens and the earth knows the Ghaib (Unseen) except Allâh” May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and Companions.