Saying 'Guests of the Most Merciful'

Q 4: Some people welcome their guests saying: "O guest of the Most Merciful! May Allah safeguard you!" or "O aged of the Most Merciful! May Allah safeguard you!" What is the ruling on this?

A: It is permissible to welcome guests and others saying: "O guests of the Most Merciful!", "O (Part No. 2; Page No. 409) aged people of the Most Merciful!", or by making Du`a' (supplication) for them such as invoking: "May Allah safeguard you!" This is because this ascription is meant only for honoring the concerned person. This is similar to saying: "the house of Allah", "the she-camel of Allah" etc.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.