The etiquette of naming children - آداب تسمية الأبناء

Note: This was originally a Fatwa, came to IslamQA.com and they've answerd it, but it was only in Arabic, so this is its translation :

Question No. 7180:

I want to name my son. What are the Islamic etiquettes for naming?

Summary of the Answer:
The general rule for names is that they are permissible unless there are specific Islamic prohibitions to avoid. These include: 1) Names that imply worship of anyone other than Allah, 2) Names that are exclusive to Allah, 3) Names specific to disbelievers, and 4) Names of idols or false deities.

Answer:

Praise be to Allah.

The Importance of Names in Islam:

There is no doubt that the issue of names is significant in people's lives. A name is a title, an identifier, and a necessity for communication. It serves as an adornment, a container, and a symbol by which a person is called in this life and the hereafter. It reflects one's religion and signifies belonging to the Islamic faith. Names hold cultural and social significance, much like clothing—if it is too short or too long, it becomes inappropriate.

Islamic Conditions for Choosing Names for Newborns:

The general principle is that names are permissible unless they fall into specific prohibited categories. These include:

1. Names that imply worship of anyone other than Allah: This includes names that suggest servitude to a prophet, angel, or any other being. For example, names like "Abd al-Rasul" (Servant of the Messenger), "Abd al-Nabi" (Servant of the Prophet), or "Abd al-Amir" (Servant of the Leader) are prohibited. Such names must be changed if someone has been given them. The noble companion Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "My name was Abd Amr (or Abd al-Ka'bah in another narration), but when I embraced Islam, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) named me Abd al-Rahman." (Narrated by al-Hakim, 3/306, and al-Dhahabi agreed).

2. Names that are exclusive to Allah: These include names like "Al-Khaliq" (The Creator), "Al-Raziq" (The Provider), "Al-Rahman" (The Most Merciful), or names that cannot truthfully describe anyone other than Allah, such as "Malik al-Muluk" (King of Kings) or "Al-Qahhar" (The Subduer). It is forbidden to use such names, and they must be changed. Allah says: "Do you know of any similarity to Him?" (Quran 19:65).

3. Names specific to disbelievers: These are names that are uniquely associated with non-Muslims, such as "Abd al-Masih" (Servant of the Messiah), "Butrus" (Peter), or "Jirjis" (George).

4. Names of idols or false deities: Such as naming someone "Shaytan" (Satan) or similar names.

All the above types of names are prohibited, and anyone who has been given such a name must change it.

Prohibited and Disliked Names in Islam:

  • It is disliked to use names that have unpleasant or ridiculous meanings, as this goes against the Prophet's (peace be upon him) guidance to choose good names. Examples include names like "Harb" (War), "Rashash" (Spray), or "Hiyam" (a disease that affects camels).
  • It is disliked to use names with weak or sensual meanings, especially for females, such as names with sexual connotations.
  • It is disliked to intentionally name children after sinful singers, actors, or actresses. If their names are good, they may be used for their meanings, not to imitate them.
  • It is disliked to use names that imply sin or disobedience, such as "Thief" or "Oppressor," or names of tyrants like "Pharaoh," "Haman," or "Qarun."
  • It is disliked to use names of animals known for undesirable traits, such as "Donkey," "Dog," or "Monkey."
  • It is disliked to use names that add "al-Din" (the religion) or "al-Islam" to them, such as "Nur al-Din" (Light of the Religion) or "Shams al-Islam" (Sun of Islam), as this may give the person more honor than they deserve. Early scholars disliked being given such titles. For example, Imam al-Nawawi (may Allah have mercy on him) disliked being called "Muhyi al-Din" (Reviver of the Religion), and Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah (may Allah have mercy on him) disliked being called "Taqi al-Din" (Pious of the Religion).
  • It is disliked to add anything to the name of Allah other than "Abd Allah" (Servant of Allah), such as "Hasb Allah" (Sufficiency of Allah) or "Rahmat Allah" (Mercy of Allah). Similarly, it is disliked to add to the name of the Messenger.
  • It is disliked to use the names of angels or the names of Quranic chapters like "Taha" or "Yasin," as these are disconnected letters and not names of the Prophet (peace be upon him). See "Tuhfat al-Mawdud" by Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allah have mercy on him), p. 109.

These disliked names are only discouraged initially. If someone has been given such a name and it is difficult to change, they are not obligated to do so.

Hierarchy of Names in Islam:

• Names are ranked in five categories:

1. The highest rank: The names "Abd Allah" (Servant of Allah) and "Abd al-Rahman" (Servant of the Most Merciful), as the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "The most beloved names to Allah are Abd Allah and Abd al-Rahman." (Sahih Muslim, 1398).
2. The second rank: Other names that imply servitude to Allah, such as "Abd al-Aziz" (Servant of the Mighty), "Abd al-Rahim" (Servant of the Merciful), "Abd al-Malik" (Servant of the King), and "Abd al-Salam" (Servant of the Peace).
3. The third rank: Names of the prophets and messengers, with the best being our Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), followed by the resolute prophets: Ibrahim, Musa, Isa, and Nuh (peace be upon them all), and then the rest of the prophets and messengers.
4. The fourth rank: Names of righteous servants of Allah, especially the companions of the Prophet (peace be upon him). It is recommended to name children after them to seek their blessings and high status.
5. The fifth rank: Any name that is good and has a beautiful, meaningful connotation.


• Tips for Choosing the Best Name for Your Child:

  • Consider that the name will accompany the child throughout their life and may cause them distress or embarrassment if it is inappropriate.
  • When selecting a name, think about how it will suit the child at different stages of life—as a child, a young adult, and an elder—and how it will sound when used as a nickname or alongside the father's name.
  • While the father has the right to name the child, it is recommended to involve the mother in the decision and consider her opinion if it is good.
  • The child must be attributed to their father, even if the father is deceased, divorced, or absent. It is strictly forbidden to attribute the child to anyone other than their father, except in cases of illegitimate birth, where the child is attributed to the mother.

For further reference, see answers: (7889, 20646, 218022, 88734).

And Allah knows best.

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