What Is The Ruling On Reciting Or Writing "RadiAllahu Taʿaala Anhu" After The Names Of Non-Sahabah

For non-Sahaabah such as Imams and Awliya reading or writing “RadiAllahu Anhu” is permissible according to Shariah. However, it is recommended (Mustahab) that: With the names of the noble Companions (Sahaabah), expressions of Taraddi (seeking Allah’s pleasure) be used, such as “RadiAllahu Anhu" And with non-Sahaabah like the Taabiʿeen, Awliya of Allah, and other righteous people expressions of tarahhum (seeking Allah’s mercy) be used, such as “Rahmatullahi Alaih” or “ʿAlaihir-Rahmah.” Accordingly, the Imam of Ahl-e-Sunnat wa Jama'at, Sayyidi Ala Hazrat Imam Ahmad Raza Khan Alaihir Rahmah, states in Fataawa Razviyyah Shareef while answering a related question: “The phrase RadiAllahu Ta’ala Anhum is certainly used for the noble Companions, and it may also be used for Imams, Awliya, and scholars of the religion. This practice is widespread in the esteemed book Bahjatul-Asraar and in the works of the great Imam Sayyidi Abdul-Wahhaab Shaʿraani and other great scholars. It is stated in Tanweerul-Absaar:

Translation: It is recommended to invoke Allah’s pleasure for the Companions and to invoke mercy for the Taabi‘een and those after them from among the scholars, worshippers, and all righteous people. Likewise, using either form for the other is also permissible according to the stronger opinion.’” (Fataawa Razviyyah Shareef, Volume 23, Page 390, Raza Foundation Lahore, citing Durr-e-Mukhtaar Sharh Tanweerul-Absaar)

Summary: It is recommended and Mustahab to say “RadiAllahu Anhu” for the Sahaabah and “Rahmatullahi Alaih or Alaihir Rahmah” for others. However, both usages are permissible.