Must a child's name be in Arabic? What Islam says

In our society, there is a tendency to search the Holy Quran for words when naming a child. A common belief also prevails that for a name to be Islamic, it must be in Arabic.

But what does Islam say on this matter? Here is a discussion of the correct principles of naming a child.

Islam places the highest importance on giving a child a beautiful and meaningful name. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "On the Day of Resurrection, you will be called by your names and by your fathers' names, so make your names beautiful." (Sunan Abu Dawud, Hadith: 4948)

A beautiful name is, in effect, a lifelong prayer from parents for their child.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) declared: "The most beloved of your names to Allah are Abdullah (servant of Allah) and Abdur Rahman (servant of the Most Merciful)." (Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 2132)

According to the jurists, it is best to add "Abd" (servant) before any of Allah's attributive names — for example, Abdul Khaleque, Abdul Aziz, Abdur Rahim.

Names in Bangla, Persian, Urdu, English or any other language are fully permissible. If the meaning of the name is beautiful, tasteful and not contrary to Islamic creed, then it is entirely lawful.

Islam also encourages naming children after the prophets. The Prophet (peace be upon him) himself named one of his children Ibrahim. He instructed his companions: "Name yourselves after the prophets." (Sunan Abu Dawud, Hadith: 4950)

The idea that a name must be Arabic to be "Islamic" is completely wrong. Islam is not confined to any particular region or language; it is a universal religion. In naming, the principle in Islam is not language, but "meaning".

The Quran states as a principle: "Among His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth and the diversity of your languages and colours..." (Surah Ar-Rum, Verse: 22)

Therefore, there is no juristic obstacle for non-Arab Muslims to give their children beautiful, meaningful names in their own mother tongue.

However, Islam forbids certain names — those that conflict with Islamic belief or carry a negative meaning. A name implying servitude to anyone besides Allah is completely forbidden.

Many people pick any Arabic word from the Quran and use it as a name without considering its meaning. The Quran also contains words like "khinzir" (pig), "jahannam" (hell) and "janiya" (adulteress). So merely appearing in the Quran does not make a word suitable as a name.

Allah's names that are exclusive to Him alone must not be given to a human without "Abd". For example, one must not name a child simply Rahman, Khaleque or Quddus; it must be Abdur Rahman, Abdul Khaleque.

Names whose meanings are bad, despairing or arrogant are disliked. The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to change names with bad meanings and replace them with beautiful ones. (Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 2139)

So before naming a child, it is essential to learn the correct meaning of the name from a learned scholar or an expert in the Arabic language. In the end, a child's name is a mirror of their personality. Whether it is in Arabic or in the mother tongue, Bangla, ensuring that its meaning is holy, positive and tasteful is the core demand of Islam.