Giving a Muslim Child a Non-Arabic Name? by haris 2010/07/17 09:08
Islam does not oblige Muslim people to choose specific names, Arabic or non-Arabic, for their children, whether boys or girls. It is rather up to people to choose the names for their children. However, selecting names should be pursuant to some Islamic rules that will be stated below. Islam emphasizes that Muslims should have good names and give good names to their children. It is reported in a Hadith that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, "You will be called on the Day of Resurrection by your names and the names of your fathers, so have good names." (Reported by Abu Dawud)
As for the choice of names, we are given the following guidelines:
1. We must certainly avoid names that indicate any trace of shirk or association of partners with Allah. Therefore it is forbidden to call someone `Abd al-Ka`bah, or `Abd al-Nabi (servant of the Ka`bah or servant of the Prophet), since all of us are servants of Allah alone.
2. We must also avoid names that imply meanings that are offensive or unpleasant in connotations. The Prophet (pbuh) changed names such as Harb (War) with Salam (Peace), Asiyah (Rebellious) with Jamilah (Beautiful), Sa`b (Difficult) with Sahl (Easy to deal with), etc.
3. We are encouraged to give names that have good or noble meanings or associations, for names may inadvertently inspire a person to do great things or stay away from vices. Choosing names of prophets or great persons who have been role models of virtue and piety is an excellent idea. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) named his son Ibrahim, and he said, I have called him by my fathers name!
conclusion: There is nothing in the Islamic sources to indicate that we are allowed only to give our children Arabic names. Since Islam is a universal religion, there is no such requirement. Any name is okay so long as we keep in mind the above points. But, at the same time, while choosing names, we must strive our best not to compromise our Islamic identity.
Islam does not oblige Muslim people to choose specific names, Arabic or non-Arabic, for their children, whether boys or girls. It is rather up to people to choose the names for their children. However, selecting names should be pursuant to some Islamic rules that will be stated below. Islam emphasizes that Muslims should have good names and give good names to their children. It is reported in a Hadith that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, "You will be called on the Day of Resurrection by your names and the names of your fathers, so have good names." (Reported by Abu Dawud)
As for the choice of names, we are given the following guidelines:
1. We must certainly avoid names that indicate any trace of shirk or association of partners with Allah. Therefore it is forbidden to call someone `Abd al-Ka`bah, or `Abd al-Nabi (servant of the Ka`bah or servant of the Prophet), since all of us are servants of Allah alone.
2. We must also avoid names that imply meanings that are offensive or unpleasant in connotations. The Prophet (pbuh) changed names such as Harb (War) with Salam (Peace), Asiyah (Rebellious) with Jamilah (Beautiful), Sa`b (Difficult) with Sahl (Easy to deal with), etc.
3. We are encouraged to give names that have good or noble meanings or associations, for names may inadvertently inspire a person to do great things or stay away from vices. Choosing names of prophets or great persons who have been role models of virtue and piety is an excellent idea. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) named his son Ibrahim, and he said, I have called him by my fathers name!
conclusion: There is nothing in the Islamic sources to indicate that we are allowed only to give our children Arabic names. Since Islam is a universal religion, there is no such requirement. Any name is okay so long as we keep in mind the above points. But, at the same time, while choosing names, we must strive our best not to compromise our Islamic identity.
haris 2010/07/17 19:53
Quote: chocolate.boy: Nice topic but i think Ppl will be called by their names and their mothers name,not father's name
wrong. . . Ask any cleric if you're not sure. I'll provide the source if you want. Hope u even heard ppl like ibn maja, ibn umar etc n so on. Ibn in arabic means 'son of'
Boet 2010/07/17 20:01
A wonderful topic! A little while ago, a friend and i studied the practise of naming children at birh. You would be surprised at just how many people are exactly the opposite in personality, than what their given names might suggest
A wonderful topic! A little while ago, a friend and i studied the practise of naming children at birh. You would be surprised at just how many people are exactly the opposite in personality, than what their given names might suggest
Boyzozo 2010/07/18 07:49
God has given some people a perfect intelligence, to share it wit people in dark, like dat of haris, i love him, he is the. . . ENLIGHTERS
God has given some people a perfect intelligence, to share it wit people in dark, like dat of haris, i love him, he is the. . . ENLIGHTERS
haris 2010/07/18 08:01
Quote: Boet: A wonderful topic! A little while ago, a friend and i studied the practise of naming children at birh. You would be surprised at just how many people are exactly the opposite in personality, than what their given names might suggest
to be very honest, i, myself had a deep look n research in what u sayin. And i found out why n when it goes opposite. But i only know bout Arabic names. I don't know bout other language names. And beleive me it's almost impossible to share ere what i learnt. If u know arabic then it mite help me slightly to make u understand. I mean Arabic grammar. . . .
Replies: 36
#2 General Area
A forum for life in general. Post about news, social matters, relationships, lifestyle, or anything on your mind.