The Importance of Choosing a Good Name in Islam
In Islam, naming a child is a significant act that carries both spiritual and social importance. The name given to a child is not merely a label but a reflection of one’s identity and an aspiration for the individual’s future character. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized the importance of selecting good names, stating that it is the father’s responsibility to give his child a good name and to teach them proper manners. As narrated by Bazzar , this teaching highlights the deep connection between a person’s name and their upbringing in the faith.
The Guidance from the Qur’an and Hadith
The Qur’an explicitly encourages believers to adopt the best names. Allah says in Surah Al-Hujurat:
بِئْسَ الِاسْمُ الْفُسُوقُ بَعْدَ الْإِيمَانِ
“How bad is the name of disobedience after [one’s] faith.”
— Surah Al-Hujurat, 49:11
This verse underscores the importance of choosing names that reflect righteousness and faith rather than disobedience or sinfulness.
Furthermore, the Qur’an mentions that names can be preordained even before a child is born. An example is found in the story of Prophet Yahya. Allah says:
يَا زَكَرِيَّا إِنَّا نُبَشِّرُكَ بِغُلَامٍ ٱسْمُهُۥ يَحْيَىٰ لَمْ نَجْعَل لَّهُۥ مِن قَبْلُ سَمِيًّا
“O Zakariya, indeed We give you good tidings of a boy whose name will be Yahya. We have not assigned to any before [this] name.”
— Surah Maryam, 19:7
This verse not only reflects the significance of the name but also shows that a name can hold a unique and blessed status.
The Sunnah of Naming on the Day of Birth
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) set a clear precedent for naming a child on the day of birth. This practice is emphasized in a chapter of Sahih Bukhari:
بَابُ تَسْمِيَةِ الْمَوْلُودِ غُدَاةَ يُولَدُ لِمَنْ لَمْ يَعُقَّ عَنْهُ
“Naming the child on the day of birth even though the sacrificial animal is not slaughtered.”
— Sahih Bukhari
In line with this, Imam Baihaqi (RA) stated in Fathul Bari that the hadiths advocating naming a child on the day of birth are more authoritative than those suggesting the seventh day. The Prophet (PBUH) himself named his son Ibrahim on the day of his birth, as recorded in Sahih Muslim:
“Tonight a son was born to me, and I named him after my [forefather] Ibrahim.”
— Sahih Muslim
This practice highlights the immediacy and importance of bestowing a good name upon a child, reinforcing the spiritual and emotional connection that the name fosters from the very beginning.
Choosing Names with Good Meanings
The meaning behind a name is of paramount importance in Islam. Names with bad meanings or those that signify pride should be avoided. Allah warns against names associated with disobedience:
بِئْسَ الِاسْمُ الْفُسُوقُ بَعْدَ الْإِيمَانِ
“How bad is the name of disobedience after [one’s] faith.”
— Surah Al-Hujurat, 49:11
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was known to change names that had negative connotations. A hadith narrated by Aisha (RA) and recorded in Sunan al-Tirmidhi states:
عَنْ عَائِشَةَ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهَا أَنَّ النَّبِيَّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ كَانَ يُغَيِّرُ الِاسْمَ الْقَبِيحَ
“Indeed, the Prophet (PBUH) used to change bad names and give them good names.”
— Sunan al-Tirmidhi
Imam Bukhari also narrates an incident where the Prophet (PBUH) changed a man’s name from حزن (meaning sorrowful) to سهل (meaning easygoing). This act demonstrates the importance the Prophet placed on ensuring that names carried positive and encouraging meanings.
In another instance, Abu Huraira (RA) reported that Zaynab (RA)’s name was initially برة (meaning “the Holy One”), but because it was seen as self-praising, the Prophet (PBUH) changed it to Zaynab. The Prophet also warned against names that evoke arrogance, as in the following hadith:
قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ أَخْنَى الْأَسْمَاءِ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ عِنْدَ اللَّهِ رَجُلٌ يُسَمَّى مَلِكَ الْأَمْلَاكِ
“The most detestable name to Allah on the Day of Judgment will be a person named Malik al-Muluk (King of Kings).”
— Sahih Bukhari
These teachings remind us that names should reflect humility, goodness, and faithfulness.
Avoiding Names That Enslave
When naming a child, it is crucial to avoid names that suggest servitude to anything other than Allah. An example is the name عبد العزى (servant of Al-Uzza, a pre-Islamic deity). Such names contradict the essence of Islamic monotheism. Similarly, names with derogatory meanings, like زانية (adulteress), should be avoided to prevent any negative implications on the individual’s identity.
The Prophet (PBUH) encouraged believers to choose names that Allah loves, such as عبد الله (Abdullah) and عبد الرحمن (Abdurrahman), as recorded in Sahih Muslim. These names not only reflect servitude to Allah but also carry positive, noble meanings.
Conclusion
In Islam, the act of naming a child is not merely a cultural practice but a deeply spiritual one that has lasting implications on a person’s life. A good name, chosen with care and according to Islamic principles, can inspire and guide a person throughout their life. As Muslims, we must be mindful of the meanings and implications of the names we choose, ensuring they reflect the values of faith, humility, and goodness.
Let us follow the teachings of the Qur’an and the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) by giving our children names that will bring them honor in this life and the hereafter.
This article is based on authentic Islamic teachings and is intended to guide Muslims in the important task of naming their children. For more Islamic insights and educational resources, visit www.darussalam Online.