Never give your children these names!
Never give your children these names!
There are often cases when Muslim parents, trying to give a “unique” or “perfect” name to their child, name them with an inappropriate one. As a result, children receive completely meaningless names or names that carry a negative connotation. This attitude towards naming is contrary to the norms of Islam and is a disregard for the child’s right to receive a normal name.
The legal right of every newborn is to receive a suitable Islamic name. Children should be named with beautiful names with a good meaning. The Messenger of God ﷺ said, “On the Day of Judgement, you will be called by your names and the names of your fathers. So, name your children with beautiful names.” (Narrated by Abu Dawood).
But sometimes it reaches the point of absurdity, when Muslims give children names that were used in the pagan period to name idols, for example, Manaf and sometimes Abdulmanaf (slave of Manaf)!
When naming, many believers also make a mistake by giving children one of the 99 names of Allah. It would seem that there is nothing wrong with this. But according to the statements of theologians, some names should not be given to newborns. For example: Rahman (Merciful to His slaves), Khaliq (Creator, Maker, Allah), Muhaymin (Guardian of all that exists), Al-Mutakabbir (Greatest, Huge), Quddus (Without flaws). The above names are epithets of God; therefore, it is forbidden (haram) to name people with them.
However, if the word “Abdu” (slave) is used before these names, then their use is allowed. For example, Abdulquddus, Abdurrahman, Abdulkhaliq, etc.
According to some scholars, it is permissible to use individual words expressing the qualities of the Almighty as names, because mere mortals should strive to be worthy of them. Such names include the names: Basir (keen-sighted), Sami’ (hearing), Alim (scholar, possessing knowledge), etc. And yet, before these names it is recommended to use the word “Abdu”.
