What is the ruling on using the kunya Abu al-Qasim?
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The questioner : The questioner asks, "O honorable Shaykh, what is the ruling on using the kunya Abu al-Qasim, given that the reason for the prohibition has ceased with the death of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)?"
The Shaykh : I see no harm in using it; one may say to a man named Muhammad, "O Abu al-Qasim," because the prohibition during the lifetime of the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) was out of fear of confusion. For this reason, it is mentioned that a man said, "O Abu al-Qasim," and the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) turned to him and said, "I am not the one you are addressing." Thus, confusion arises. After his death (peace and blessings be upon him), people use the kunya Abu al-Qasim for Muhammad. However, they do not use it for a specific individual. They say "O Abu al-Qasim" to anyone named Muhammad. This is a generic kunya, not a personal kunya. We must distinguish between a generic kunya and a personal kunya. A generic kunya means that everyone named Muhammad is called "Abu al-Qasim" by the common people; they are not referring to a specific person they are calling Abu al-Qasim. So I see no harm in saying "O Abu al-Qasim" to a man named Muhammad. What do you say about such and such? But it remains to be said that I fear the person addressed as Abu al-Qasim might become arrogant and then think he is a Messenger. That is the problem. Yes. If we fear this, we say "O Muhammad." Yes.
The questioner : May Allah reward you with good.
The Shaykh : I see no harm in using it; one may say to a man named Muhammad, "O Abu al-Qasim," because the prohibition during the lifetime of the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) was out of fear of confusion. For this reason, it is mentioned that a man said, "O Abu al-Qasim," and the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) turned to him and said, "I am not the one you are addressing." Thus, confusion arises. After his death (peace and blessings be upon him), people use the kunya Abu al-Qasim for Muhammad. However, they do not use it for a specific individual. They say "O Abu al-Qasim" to anyone named Muhammad. This is a generic kunya, not a personal kunya. We must distinguish between a generic kunya and a personal kunya. A generic kunya means that everyone named Muhammad is called "Abu al-Qasim" by the common people; they are not referring to a specific person they are calling Abu al-Qasim. So I see no harm in saying "O Abu al-Qasim" to a man named Muhammad. What do you say about such and such? But it remains to be said that I fear the person addressed as Abu al-Qasim might become arrogant and then think he is a Messenger. That is the problem. Yes. If we fear this, we say "O Muhammad." Yes.
The questioner : May Allah reward you with good.