SHAYKH: Literally "Old Man," "elder". Originally is the title of a head of a village, or of a whole tribe. It is also the title of one who has authority; whether spiritual or political; particularly a learned, or a venerable person. The title Shaykhul-Islam (i.e. "the elder of Islam") came into use at the time of the Buyids, a period in which very extravagant names and title were popular. It was applied occasionally as an honorific to religious leaders of high standing.
ULAMA': (plural of aalim "learned") : Those who are recognised as scholars or authorities of the religious sciences, namely: the Imams of important mosques, judges, teachers in the religious faculties of universities and in general the body of learned persons competent to decide upon religious matters.
TALIB: (literally "an asker;" "a seeker") A student; formerly only a student of Divinity. In some countries talib is also used to mean a disciple of a spiritual master. Generally however, talib is a student who seeks after knowledge and education. Though all these and more groups exist in Islam, they do not constitute special classes with special privileges. A Muslim attains higher station in Islam only by acquisition of knowledge for it is Allah's promise that:
"Allah will raise to suitable ranks (and degrees) those of you who believe and who have been granted knowledge" (Q58: 11).
This is because status is acquired only by piety and fear of Allah:
"... Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you. .. " (Q49: 13).
Most often
"Those who truly fear Allah among His servants are those who have knowledge " (Q35:28)
Thus, a talib (seeker of knowledge) could attain by his piety a higher status above a Shaykh or Alim. There is no hierarchy in Islam, special privileges do not exist on account of race, caste, progeny or possession. Similarly, there is no caste system or any priestly class (clergy). Islam demands respect and dignity for each individual but it has total disdain for subservience and slavish adoration. Several titles and hierarchical forms that are prevalent among Muslims are unknown to the Prophet (PBUH) and the pious salafs (successors).
The Shiite structure of Hujjatul-Islam (proof of Islam), Ayatullah (sign of Allah) etc. and such titles like Custodian of the two holy place or sufi (mystic) titles like walivyullah, khalifatullah or shaykh are all manifestations of the extent of bid'ah (innovation) that has come into the forms of Islam.
As for the four known categories of Muslim, Mu 'min (believer), Muttaqi (one who fears Allah) and Muhsin (the righteous); only Allah knows the true position of each believer .. The claim that is more fitting to each of us is to
,. ...say 'we have submitted our wills to Allah. 'for not yet as faith entered your hearts. But if you obey Allah and His Prophet, He will not belittle aught of your deeds: .. " (Q49:14).
This article was culled from the publications of Deen Communication Limited