Muslim Baby Names

The Muslim babys name should be meaningful. Hence the name of a Muslim is of such a nature that by the mere mention of it, the listener understands that the person so addressed, is a Muslim. It is for this reason that our elders laid great emphasis on keeping good and pleasant babys name.

It is indeed a joyous occasion when parents are blessed with a baby. However, the extent of the joy could be enhanced even further if the laws of Shariat are followed. When choosing a Muslim baby name for the child, it should be done with the intention that the baby will be blessed with the barakah of that name.

The barakah of naming a child after the beloved name of Rasoolullah (Sallallahu-alayhi-wasallam):

Rasoolullah (Sallallahu-alayhi-wasallam) said: “Whoever is named after me with the hope of being blessed, he will be blessed and will be in peace till the Day of Qiyaamah.”

He also said: “To whomever is born a boy and he names him Muhammad solely for the love of me and for the blessings of my name, then both he (the father) and his son will enter Jannah.”

The importance of keeping good names:

Hadith: “On the Day of Qiyamah you will be called by your (own) names and the names of your fathers. Therefore keep good names.” – Abu Dawood.

Hadith: “To whomever is born a child, the child should be given a good name and sound eduction. And when he becomes of age he should be married.”

It was Rasoolullah’s (Sallallahu-alayhi-wasallam) practice to enquire the names of persons and villages. If they were pleasant, it became apparent on his face. If not, his displeasure could be seen.

Once Rasoolullah (Sallallahu-alayhi-wasallam) called for a volunteer to milk a camel. Four persons volunteered: he refused to accept the services of the first three because their names did not imply pleasantness. The names of the first two were Murra (bitter) while Jamrah (burning coal) was the name of the third person. When the fourth said his name si Yaeesh (love live) Rasoolullah (Sallallahu-alayhi-wasallam) said to him: “Milk her.”

Undesirable names should be changed:

Aaishah (RA) reports that Rasool (Sallallahu-alayhi-wasallam) used to change displeasing names replacing them with good names.

Abdullah bin Umar (RA) relates that one of his sisters was names Aasiyuah (disobedient). Rasoolullah (Sallallahu-alayhi-wasallam) changed it to Jameelah (beautiful).

Zainab (RA) says that I had been named Birrah (pious). Rasoolullah (Sallallahu-alayhi-wasallam) said: “Do not claim piety for Allah knows best who amongst you are pious. Name her Zainab!”

Names may influence the lives of people:

Saeed ibne Musaiyib (RA) relates from his father that his grand father went to Rasoolullah (Sallallahu-alayhi-wasallam) and was asked: “What is your name?” He replied: “Hazn” (sorrow). Rasoolullah (Sallallahu-alayhi-wasallam) said: “You are Sahl.” (contended). He replied: “I will not change the name my father had given me.” The narrator says that thereafter sorrow continually remained with them.

Keep away from names implying shirk:

As Muslims, we should always obstain from keeping names implying any elements of Shirk, like adjoining the word ‘Abd’ (servant) to names or epithets other that those of Allah Ta’ala. 

Rasoolullah (Sallallahu-alayhi-wasallam) also forbade keeping pompous and self-glorifying names, for this reveals arrogance and haughtiness-human elements most abhorred by Allah Ta’ala.

Be proud of your identity and faith:

Muslims should always be proud of their identity and faith. Nowadays, to conceal his identity, it is common practice for a person to ‘westernize’ his name, like substituting Yoosuf with oe or Joseph, Sulaimaan with Solly or Sully, Faatimah with Fatli, Sumayyah with Summi etc. Efforts to distort such beautiful names meely reveal an un-Islamic and sacreligious attitude.