The Khatib's statement: We are the sons of Allah

The questioner:
A questioner from Morocco says: We have a khatib who said on the minbar, in the course of his speech, "We are the sons of Allah." When he was addressed after the prayer regarding this statement, he said that it is a metaphor, and that in the hadith, "The Muslims are the children of Allah." What is the validity of his argument using this?

The Shaykh:
It is not permissible to use this kind of language, as it confuses people and casts them into doubt. This phrase, even though it appears in the hadith , means the poor. The word "ayyal" means the poor; it does not mean their children by lineage. No, "ayyal" means the poor, derived from "ayl," which is poverty. They said, meaning "His beloved ones; we love Him and He loves us." This is a supplication. In any case, this preacher made a mistake; he confused the people and created doubt for them. People do not know what is in his heart; they look at the apparent wording of the phrase and find it strange. Yes.

The presenter:
May Allah reward you.

The Shaykh:
For Allah, this. Yes.

The presenter:
May Allah reward you.