Praise be to Allaah, the Lord of the worlds. May the peace and blessings of Allaah be upon Muhammad, His last Messenger, his household, his companions and all those who follow him till the Last Day.
Names: Importance & Timing
Names are of great importance to human beings. It is the identity that we bear and it distinguishes one person from the other. Names are, like a leash on a dog, great stoppers. Our names should therefore be good and appropriate. As for the time of naming a new-born child, there is plenty of scope; it can be on the first day or on the seventh day. When during the night, he said to the Companions the following morning: "A child was born to me last night and i have named him after my father Ibrahim" Also, he said:
"Every child is a pledge subject to its Aqeeqah' an animal is sacrificed upon its behalf on its seventh day, it is there forth named and Its head shaved". (Tirmidhi)
Adventure of 'Khairul Bashar'
Many of us have little choices in the names we bear. Our names were given to us by parents and/or grandparents and the names stick into official records even before we can exercise any like or dislike for them. Muhammad Bashir al-Maa'soomi faced this problem. Let us share and learn from his experience: "After I was admitted into the Aligarh Muslim University, the Dean asked me in chaste Urdu, "What is your sweet name?" I replied: 'Khairul Bashar'. "Wah, Wah! It's a very good name, brother!"exclaimed the Dean in commendation of my name. Thereafter, the name was uttered with zest by my Urdu speaking friends!
I was rather happy with my name. It was given by my paternal grandfather; who was an "Aalim" (Islamic scholar) and liked by my maternal grandfather. However, my father always used to address me suggestively as Bashir in his letters from Saudi Arabia. I was a young boy at that time and did not realize the real significance of my father's suggestion.
Ghairul Bashar
I came to Makkah in 1978 and we performed the Hajj in the warm hospitality of Shaikh Abdul Aziz bin Abdullah bin Baz, an eminent Islamic scholar of Saudi Arabia. During the Ayyam al-Tashreeq (11" to 13' Dhul-Hijjah) in Mina, my father introduced me to the honourable Shaikh during an hour of close intimacy. When he asked me what my name was, I replied: Khairul Bashar. He was startled on hearing my name, his countenance turnedred in disgust and anger However, overcoming his anger he said to my father in a tone of admonition:"How is it that you have given such a name to your son, being yourself an 'aalim? What have I taught you then all these years?"
After some time I was admitted to the Arabic Language Centre in the Umm AI-Qura University at Makkah, but troubles arose immediately I mentioned my name. The teachers exclaimed, "My son! This name is not a permissible one." My disgrace and sense of injury knew no bounds when still others said:" He is not Khairul Bashar (the best human being),
He is Ghairul Bashar (non-human being)." Upon my subsequent inquiry, I came to know from my father that the meaning of the words Khairul Bashar is “the best human being”. This is a special attribute of Prophet Muhammad (sallaallaahu alayhi wa sallam) and can apply only to him. It is not permissible for any other man to take such a name.
The lesson
The Shaikh advised me to accept the name Abdullah or Abdur Rahman instead of Khairul Bashar which I could never be. Alas, many were the obstacles that stood in the way. My certificates, passport, Iqama everything was in that name, and it was not easy for me to effect a change in those documents." Eventually, he became known as Bashir. The lesson: Be careful when you name, be more careful when you have to change your name. What names to give, how to change names and the significance of names form the subject matter of this edition. Enjoy it, and then apply it. May Allaah make it easy
Call them by their father’s names
"Call them after their fathers. That is most just in the sight of Allah. If you know not their fathers, then call them your brothers in faith and your patrons. There is no blame on you if you make a mistake but you are accountable for what is done intentionally. Allah is Most Forgiving, Most Merciful' [33:5]
Names are part of our ancestry
Our name is part of our ancestry and our ancestry is to us like roots are to a tree, one cannot truly cut them off. Before you change your name to something more "Islamic," please read this article first to avoid mistakes.
One major mistake in changing names which are widespread among Muslims, especially those who are serious about their religion, is the changing of the family name to a Muslim name. This is forbidden by Allah, hence He says:
"Call them after their fathers. This is most Just in the sight of Allah. If you know not their fathers, then call them your brothers in faith and your patrons. There is no blame on you if you make a mistake but you are accountable for what is done intentionally. Allah is Most Forgiving, Most Merciful" (Q33[Ahzab]:5)
In his famous tafseer Imam ibn Katheer (RAH) said that this verse abrogated a ruling of something that was allowed at the beginning of Islam. Abdullah ibn Umar said:
"We used to call Zayd ibn Harithah, the patron of the Prophet (sallaallaahu alayhi wa sallam) Zayd ibn Muhammed until the Qur'an stated, "Call them after their fathers. That is most just in the sight of Allah." (Bukhari)
Ibn Katheer added:
"Allah ordered us to call them by their real fathers' names. That is only just and fair."
This mistake which is common among new Muslims in the West is also rearing its ugly head in our local environment here. This mistake can lead those who commit them to fall into the following prohibitions:
Neglect of Allah's Orders:
It makes them subject to the grave warning and the definite threat that came in several ahadeeth. One of these ahadeeth says that the Messenger of Allaah (sallaallaahu alayhi wa sallam) said:
"Whomever is not named after his father or takes as a benefactor and protector other than his supporter is cursed by Allaah. His Angels and all the people." (Ahmad)
This is a severe and definite warning to those who are not named after their real fathers. Just because the father's name is a Christian name or a non-Muslim name is not reason enough in Islam, to change it. One must be named after his real father, even if they are non-believers (kufrar) or the worst enemies to Allaah.
To help illustrate this point, let's look at the example of Ikrimah ibn Abi jahl. This companion of the Prophet (sallaallaahu alayhi wa sallam) became a Muslim in the year of the conquest of Makkah [8AH], and was one of the best Muslims, one who fought for the sake of Allah until he was killed. He was the son of one of the worst of Allah's enemies, Abu Jahl, the man who fought the Prophet (sallaallaahualayhi wa sallam) with his hands, tongue and money. Nevertheless Ikrimah (RA) never changed his father's after becoming a Muslim. He kept his real father’s name although it was not an honourable one.
There was also Safiyyah bint Huyay (RA). Her father Huyay ibn Akhtab was a Jew. When she became a Muslim, the Messenger of Allaah (sallaallaahu alayhi wa sallam) married her and she did not change her father's or her grandfather's name even though everyone knew that they were unbelievers and that they were the enemies of Allaah, Safiyyah(RA) did not forsake her family ties and never abandoned her family's name!
There are many more examples, but these two are enough reasons to rethink the issue. The Prophet (sallaallaahu alayhi wa sallam) said:
"He who knowingly claims to be the son of other than his father, then he is forbidden from entering Paradise."
How can those who are running away from the Hellfire by seeking Islam and becoming Muslims, be so negligent, that they might end up in it anyway, by carelessly misnaming themselves to others than their real fathers?
Cheating People and Misleading Them
One may meet a Muslim who claims that his name is Muhammad Abdur Rahman Ali. One would think that this means he is Muhammad the son of AbdurRahman, and the grandson of Ali. After checking, you would be surprised to discover that AbdurRahman and Ali are not real people at all, Muhammad who happens to be the son of John, the grandson of Roberts, for example, made them up. This is not a good thing to do rather it is an obvious case of cheating and falsification. This falsification is the same as lying, if not worse.
Injustice and Aggressio
For someone to be called after other than his real father's name is to do great injustice to the father. This is why Allah says: "Call them after their fathers. That is most just in the sight of Allah." It is only just and fair that Allah has made that obligatory on us. How can anyone of us, willingly choose to do otherwise? It is imperative that Muslims who believe in Allah and the Last Day, and who have read these scripts and warnings but have fallen into this sin, to repent to Allaah and correct their mistake by renaming themselves after their real fathers, John Ogundipe, Gandoki, or any other.
What if your real father is not known?
What can a person who does not know his real father do? In view of widespread promiscuity and the common practice of getting pregnant before marriage or outside wedlock, this is not an idle question. Allaah has revealed the answer to this question:
"If you know not their fathers, then call them your brothers in faith and your patrons."(Q33 [Ahzab]:5)
If such a person was raised by a stepfather or another man whose name is, say, Ibrahim; then we call the person, our brother in Islam, Ibrahim's patron [Mawla Ibrahim]. If he has no patron, then he can relate his name to his country or city and add his kunya, or nickname, to it. A lot of prominent Muslim scholars have done this in the past. The name can be for example, Abu Muhammad (nickname), Ali (his name) al-Canadi (the Canadian), or al-Ameriky (the American), or al-Britany (the British), etc.
One excuse for the father's name change that some people use, is the allegation that their fathers' and grandfathers' names are not their real names. They are names, they say, that were given to them by the slave masters and changing this name will wipe away a bad history. This action is a misconception and a direct contradiction to the above verse. If you know your father's real name, then use it. If you do not and you change the current name, then you have committed the same oppressive sin of changing a man's name.
Another excuse some people use for example, is that one would say I am calling myself Muhammad Abdullah (i.e. the slave of Allah) and that should be alright, for we are all slaves of Allah believers and non-believers. And even though this statement is true in general people use names to indicate and ascertain a specific blood relationship, and not to make a general statement about the fact that one is the son of a man who was created by Allah. Again, we must be careful so that we do not fall in the name change trap.
What about Wives taking their Husbands' last Names?
It is important to note that one of the forms of being named after other than your father is what some women do. They change their family names to their husbands' family names, asis the norm in the West. Majority of the Muslims have fallen into this prohibition. This type of name change actually has two problems. The first is the fact that the woman would fall into the sin of changing the name of her real father who spent his life and money caring for her. What a recompense! The second is making resemblance to the non-believers in a tradition thatis permanently a part of their lifestyle. And Allaah is the source of help! (Adapted from a short treatise by sheikh Wajdi al-Ghazzaawi)
Categories of 5 Names
One main reason for naming people, places and things is for the purpose of identification. Identifying things is the basis of knowing them in their true nature. The first thing Allaah taught Adam (alayhimsallam) was the names of all things:
"And He taught Adam all the names (of everything)."(Q2 [Baqarah]:31)
Every name conveys a special meaning and carries clues to the distinguishing features of the named. However, one single name cannot exhaust all the shades and traits of a personality. One name may be insufficient to express the personality of a person beyond his biological identity. There are five classes of names which is permissible for a Muslim to bear.
Kunya
The practice of putting the prefix of Abu (father) or Umm (mother) before the name one's son is called Kunya. Bearing kunya was the practice of the Prophet (sallaallaahu alayhi wa sallam), his Companions and righteous predecessors. He gave himself a kunya which is Abul Qasim and specified it for himself alone: A man at Al-Baqi' called, "o Abul-Qasim!" The Prophet (sallaallaahu alayhi wa sallam) turned to him and the man said (to the Prophet), "I did not intend to call you." The Prophet (sallaallaahualayhi wa sallam) said:
"Name yourselves by my name but not by my Kunya (name)." (Bukhari)
Addressing a person by his kunya is a show of respect and esteem. Thus it is recommended for a Muslim to bear a kunya and to address others by their kunya. Most often, the name used in the kunya is the bearer's eldest child. However, there are exceptions to this rule. Even without having any offspring, a person is still encouraged to have a kunya. Umar (RA) said to Suhayb (RA), "How come you use Abu Yahya as your kunya even though you do not have a son (called Yahya)?" Suhayb replied:"Allaah's Messenger (sallaallaahu alayhi wa sallam) gave me this kunya of Abu Yahya." (lbn Majah)
It is also known that the Prophet (sallaallaahu alayhi wa sallam) gave kunya to childless women and even children. Aisha (RA) did not bear any child yet the prophet (sallaallaahu alayhi wa sallam) gave her a Kunya when she asked for one: “take a Kunya after your sister's son Abdullah. So you are Umm Abdillah."(Ahmad)
The Prophet (sallaallaahu alayhi wa sallam) also named A small boy Abu Umayr. (Bukhari)
Kunya may also be given as a recognition of some qualities or preferences a person is known for. Abu Hurairah (RA) for instance was called so because of his love for kittens. Ja'far ibn AbiTalib (RA) used to love the poor, so the Prophet (sallaallaahualayhi wa sallam) used to address him by the Kunya Abul Masakin (father of the poor). (Tirmidhi)
ISM (Proper Name)
The second class of names is the ism which is also called 'Alam (proper name), this is the main name that a person bears. It is the first name by which a man shall be called on the Day of Judgment. The Prophet (sallaallaahu alayhi wa sallam) said:
"On the Day of Judgment, you will be called by your names and by your father's names, therefore keep good names."(Bukhari).
There are a number of guidelines to be considered regarding the choice of this class of name. The best names in these categories are the names of Ubudiyyah (indicating servitude to Allaah). The Prophet (sallaallaahu alayhi wa sallam) said:
"Indeed, the best and most beloved names to Allaah are: 'Abdullah and Abdur Rahman." (Muslim)
The first name, Abdullah, was the most common among the Companions with about 300 hundred of them having borne it.
One should also bear names with realistic meanings. The Prophet (sallaallaahu alayhi wa sallam) said:
"The most truthful names are: al-Harith (cultivator) and Hammaam (planner)." (Muslim)
Both names reflect true qualities that are within human nature. Every human is a cultivator in this life - even though some of them cultivate good crops and others evil crops. And every human is a planner and maker of decisions. Similarly other names that fulfil the same criteria of being truthful and modest would be good.
Must I bear Arabic Names?
It is permissible for a Muslim to bear non-Arabic names with conducive meanings, yet it is preferred to bear an Arabic name for some reasons. The best names after names indicating servitude to Allaah, are names of the Prophets and Messengers of A1laah (alayhimus-sallam) followed by those of the Companions and most of these names are, in Arabic. Also, Arabic is the language of Islaam and thus when one bears an Arabic Muslim name, it is indicative of one's religious identity. If a person bears Abdullah, except some other information indicates otherwise, one is sure to conclude that the bearer of that name is a Muslim.
Nasab (Lineage)
This is the term given to the practice of adding ibn (son of) or Bint (daughter of) before the proper name of father or forefather. It is one of the names by which a man will be called on the Day of Judgment. The Prophet (sallaallaahu olayhi wa sallam) said:
"On the Day of judgment you will be called by your names and by your father's names therefore keep good names." (Bukhari).
This name is so significant in Islam that it is haram (forbidden) to attribute oneself to someone other than one's biological father, The Prophet (sallaallaahu alayhi wa sallam) said:
''Anyone who relates himself to other than his (true) father, knowing that he is not is father, Jannah (Paradise) will then be prohibited for him." (Bukhari)
However it is permissible to attribute oneself to one's grandfather. It is reported that the Prophet (sallaallaahu alayhi wa sallam) said:
"1 am really a Prophet there is no falsehood (in it). I am the son of Abdul Muttalib," (Bukhari)
There are quite a number of our pious predecessors whose own name have been submerged by their Nasab. For example, Ibn Umar, lbn Mas'ud and Ibn Abbaas (RA)have been so popular with their Nasab that" they are sparingly called Abdullah which is their first name respectively. This is also the case of Ibn Taymiyyah whose first name (Ahmad) is hardly known to many who refer to him.
Nisba (Names relating to location & vocation)
This is a name denoting relationship with a place or vocation. For instance one of the Companions is known as Salmanal-Farsi (Salman the Persian) (RA) and a Tabi' (follower of the, Companions) is Called Hasan al- Basri (Hasan of Basra) (RAH). Both names have Nisba that indicate place of birth and residence. Al-Albani is equally the Nisba of the great muhaddith (scholar of hadeeth), Sheikh Muhammad Nasirdeen (Naaslrdeen of Albania)
Some people adopt an occupational Nisba e.g. Ahmad Kutbi (Ahmad the bookseller). Some other nisbas are clannish such as that of the Prophet's (sallaallaahu alayhi wa sallam) - Al-Quralshi..
There are countless numbers our pious predecessors who are known only by their Nisbas such as Imam Bukhaari whose real name is Muhammad ibn Isma'eel from the town of Bukhara.
Laqab (Title or nickname)
The final category of permissible names in lslaam is the honorific or descriptive epithet given by people or authority to illustrious personalities to acknowledge their achievements or qualities. This is known as Laqab. Many of the Prophets of Allaah (alayhimu sallam) had their Laqabs. For instance, Prophet Ibrahim (alayhi sallam) is known as Khalilullaah (friend of Allaah) and Prophet Musa (alayhi sallam) is known as Kaliimullaah (one whom Allaah spoke to directly). And Prophet Muhammad (sallaallaahu alayhi wa sallam) is known as Rasulullaah (the Messenger of Allaah) even though he was also a friend of Allaah whom A1laah spoke to directly.
Many of the Companions of the Prophet (RA) have their Laqabs. AbuBakar (RA) is known as As-Siddiq (the faithful one), Umar (RA) is known as AI-Faruq (differentiator of truth and falsehood) and Khalid ibn Walid is known as-Saifullaah (the sword of A1laah).
There is no harm if such or similar titles are given to people who are worthy of them. Care must be taken that this is not abused. Conversely, it is not permissible to give people offensive Laqab that will not be pleasing unto them. Allaah says in the Qur'an:
"And do not Insult one another and do not call each other by (offensive) nicknames.” (Q4 [Hujuraat] 11)
Names Forbidden and Disliked
There are names which are forbidden and/or prohibited for use in Islaam. Some of them are forbidden out rightly while others are prohibited. We cite the major examples below:
Names which only belong to Allaah
It is forbidden to use any name which belongs to Allaah such as al-Khaaliq (the Creator) and al-Quddoos(the Most Holy) or names which do not befit any except Allaah, such as Malik al-Mulook (King of Kings). This is the consensus of the Fuqaha' [the scholars of fiqh]: ibn at-Qayyim said that names which belong only to Allaah include: al-Ahad (the One), as-Samad (the Eternal). al-Khaaliq (the Creator), ar-Razzaaq (the Provider), al-Jabbaar(the Compeller), al-Mutakabbir (the Majestic), al-Awwal (the First), al-Aakhir (the l.ast), al-Baatin (the Hidden) and 'Allaam al-Ghuyoob (the Knower of the Unseen). (Tuhfat al-Mawdood. p. 98).
The evidence that it is forbidden to call anyone by a name which belongs only to Allaah, such as Malik al-Mulook (king of kings), may be seen for example in the hadeeth narrated Abu Hurayrah (RA) that "The Messenger of Allaah (sallaallaahu alayhi wa sallam) said: 'The most despised name with Allaah on the Day of Resurrection will be a man called Malikal-Mulook” (Bukhari).
Also he said:
"The man who will most deserving of Allaah's anger and most evil on the Day of Resurrection will be a man who was called Malikal-Amlaak. There is no King except Allaah." (Muslim)
As regards using names that may be used for A1laah or for others, it is permissible to use these names such as 'Ali (High) and Badee' (Innovator or Originator). Ibn 'Aabideen said: "It seems to be the case that they are permitted, even if the definite article 'al' is used." Al-Hasafi said: "What (these Names) mean concerning us (human beings) is different from their meanings concerning Allaah, may He be exalted."
Names which implies, enslavement to other than Allaah
It is forbidden to use any name which implies enslavement to anything besides Allaah such as 'Abdal-'Uzza (slave of al-'Uzza- a pagan goddess), 'Abdal-Ka'bah (slave of the ka'bah).'Abdal-Daar (slave of the house), ‘Abd ‘Ali (slave of ‘Ali), ‘Abd al-Husayn (slave of Husayn), etc. The scholars are also agreed that one should not be called ‘Abd Foolaan (the slave of so-and-so) or every name which implies enslavement to anything other than Allaah is forbidden, such as ‘Abd ‘Amr and any other similar names, such as ‘Abd al-Nabi (slave of the Prophet), ‘Abd al-Husayn, ‘Abd al-Maseeh (slave of the Messiah),” (Tuhfat al-Mawdood, p. 90).
The evidence that it is forbidden to use any name which implies enslavement to anything other than Allaah may be seen in the report of Ibn Abi Shaybah from who said: “A delegation came to the Prophet (sallaallaahu alayhi wa sallam), and he heard them calling someone ‘Abd al-Hajar (slave of the stone). He asked him, “what is your name?” and he said, “Abd al-Hajar.” He said , “no, you are ‘Abd-Allaah (slave of Allaah).” (Al-Mawsoo’ah al-Fiqhiyyah, 11/335).
Names which befits no one except Prophet Muhammad (sallaallaahu alayhi wa sallam)
It is forbidden to use names which befit no one except the Prophet (sallaallaahu alayhi wa sallam), such as Sayyid Walad Adam (master of the sons of Adam), Sayyid al-Naas (master of mankind), Sayyid al-kull (master of all), Khairul Bashar (best of mankind), because these names befit no one except him.
Other Forbidden Names
Other forbidden names includes using the names of idols that are worshipped instead of Allaah, and using the names of devils (Shayaateen), such as Khanzab, al-Walhaan, al-A’war and al-Ajda’.
Names that are Makrooh (Disliked)
Names that are Makrooh (Disliked) may be categorized as follows:
Names that have bad, undesirable or distasteful meanings, or which sound odd, which would cause others to mock a person or would cause him embarrassment.
Names whose meanings are too soft and provocative or sexy, which is a common problem in naming girls or deliberately naming someone after promiscuous actors/singers who star in worthless entertainment shows. This is lack of pride.
Names that convey any sense of sin anddisobedience to Allaah such as names that are foreign to the deen [religion] and that belong to thekuffaar [unbelievers]. Such is a sign of humiliationand defeat. Names of Pharaohs or other tyrants.
Naming people after animals that are knownfor their bad qualities. When the Arabs or the
Yorubas called their children by such names [such asAssad (Lion) or Ekun (Tiger)], it was because ofgood qualities that they noticed in them, and thiswas the desired meaning. So when they used thename Kalb (dog), it was because of the dog'salertness and devotion; when they used the nameHimaar (donkey), it was because of the donkey'spatience and forbearance, and so on..
Names' which are composed of any word added to such words as al-Deen (the Religion)or Islam, such as Noor al-Deen/Nuruddin (Light of the Religion), Diya' al-Deen/Ziauddin (Brightness of the Religion), Sayf al-Islam (Sword of Islam), Noor al-Islam (Light of Islam), etc. This is because of the great status attached to these words,' al-Deen and Islaam and such names are also some sort of exaggeration. Such names can also lead to the use of strange names, as in Indonesia, where people use names such as Dhahab al-Deen (gold of the Religion)and Maas al-Deen (diamond of the Religion)! Imaamal-Nawawi (RAH), use to dislike being called by his nickname Muhyi al-Deen; similar thing wasreported of Shaykh al-lslam lbn Taymiyah (RAH)and his nickname Taqiy al-Deen as well as Shaykh al-Albaani (RAH) with his name Naasirdeen.
Names of angels (alayhim sallam). It is Haraam [forbidden] to give angels' names to women, because it implies imitation of the Mushrikeen, who thought that the angels were the daughters of Allaah. Names of Soorahs of the Qur'aan, such as Ta-Ha, Yaa-Seen, Ha-Meem. The popular notion that Ya-Seen and Ta-Ha are names of the Prophet (sallaallaahu alayhi wa sallam) is not correct.
All of these are contrary to the guidance of the Prophet (sallaallaahu alayhi wa sallam), who taught us to choose good names.
Should You Change Your Name?
Many newly reverted Muslims and brothers and sisters whose Eeman (faith) is gathering momentum usually ask or bother about whether they should change the names given them by their father. The answer is that they should not change their names except in the following situations:
If the name is forbidden in Islam, for example, if the name implies worshipping other than Allaah like Abdush Shams, Abdun Nabi, Abdul Maseeh, etc. Also, if the name symbolizes idols like Naelah, Hubal or Budha, then it must be changed immediately.
If the name is typical of the non-believers like Botros,John, Diana, Suzanne or Victoria, then a Muslim should stay away from these names.
If the name praises oneself, as in the case of Barra'(pious) whose name was changed to Zainab by the Prophet (sallaallaahu alayhi wa sallam) and he said,
"Do not praise yourself. Allaah knows the pious ones more than you do. "(Muslim)
If the name has a bad meaning like the names of animals such as Faar (mouse), Hanash (snake); or it is pronounced badly in another language such' as Tom(many pronounce it Toom, which sounds, like garlic in Arabic).
If the non-Muslim name is like one of the above then it must be changed to a good Muslim name, one that is desirable in Islam. For example, Abdur Rahman, Abdullaah, any of the Prophets' names, the Companions names, the wives of the Prophet (sallaallaahu alayhi wa
sallam) or his daughters. It should be taken into consideration that only the first name is changed and not the father's name no matter how bad it is. In the Day of Judgment, people will be called by their fathers' names. The Prophet (sallaallaahu alayhi wa sallam) said, "On the Day of Judgment, a sign will be raised for the deceitful saying, “This is the deceit of Foolan Ibn Foolan (this man the son of such a man)."
Influence of Good and Bad Names
"What is in a name? A rose by any other name will smell just as sweet!" Expectedly, Williams Shakespeare got that wrong. There is a lot more to a name than you think. Names are not just useful for identification as Shakespeare suggested. Had it been so, mere numbers would have sufficed in place of names. A house or an office or even a street can be located by numbers without any greater stress.
Beyond mere identification, a name exerts deep influence upon a man's character and traits in life. This influence occurs in a subtle manner such that it is usually unacknowledged by many people. This fact is indicated by the Prophet's (sallaallaahu alayhi wasallam) aversion to bad names and his command to Muslims to bear good names. He said:
"On the Day of judgment, you will be called by your names and by your father's names, therefore keep good names."(Bukhari)
Wholesome Milk
Imaam Malik (RAH) reported that the Messenger of Allaah (sallaallaahu alayhi wa sallam) once pointed to a goat and asked: 'Who will milk it?' A man stood up and said: 'I (will...)'. He asked: 'What is your name?'The man replied: 'Murrah (Bitter).' He told him, 'Sit down.' Then he asked again, 'Who will milk it?'Another man stood up. He asked him: 'What is your name?' He replied, 'Harb (War, Fighting).' He said to him, 'Sit down' then he asked (again), 'Who will milk it?' A man stood up and said: 'I (Will...)'. He asked, 'What is your name?' He replied, 'Ya'eish (one who will live). So, the Messenger of Allaah (sallaallaahu alayhiwa sallam) told him, 'Milk it.' (Muwatta)
The Messenger of Allaah (sallaallaahu alayhi wasallam) was aware by virtue of his deep wisdom and guidance of Allaah that names influence the character of the bearer. He therefore, used to change the name of a person bearing a bad name as soon as he came into contact with him and give good one instead. A man used to be called 'Asram'(dried sheaf of crops). Once he came to the Messenger of Allaah (sallaallaahu alayhi wa sallam) with a group of people. The Prophet (sallaallaahualayhi wa sallam) asked: "What is your name?" He replied: 'Asram.' He said: 'Rather; you are Zur'a (grain of crops)." (Abu Dawud) Sa'id Al-Makhzumi was named As-Saram' (Dry, Hard, Severe), but the Prophet (sallaallaahu alayhi wa sallam) gave him the name Sa'id (happy, fortunate). (Bukhari).
Influence of Good Names
A good name is a portent for a good life. The Prophet (sallaallaahu alayhi wa sallam) is a beautiful example of this. After his birth, his grandfather, Abdul Muttalib brought him to the Ka'aba. People present there asked about the name of the child. Abdul Muttalib said in reply; 'Muhammad' (most praised one). The Quraish leaders remarked in wonder: “We have not heard such a name before;"Abdul Muttalib replied; "He will be praised and honoured by all, more than anyone else." All the personal names of the Prophet (sallaallaahu alayhi wasallam) are derivatives of the word 'Praise'. Little wonder that he turned out to be the most praised person of all the creatures of Allaah.
Ibn Qayyim al-Jauziyah (RA) said: "A person's behaviour, character and conduct follow a pattern inconsonance with his name. The Prophet (sallaallaahualayhi wa sallam) was called Muhammad (praised, commendable) and Ahmad (more praised, more commendable). Infact, he was the most praised person for his character, the best in praising Allaahand his followers had the best quality in praising their Lord." (Tuhfatul Maudud fi Akhlamil Maulud)
Good Name, Good Fortune
Good and meaningful names offer omen of goodfortune. When the Prophet (sallaallaahu alayhi wasallam) reached Hudaybiyyah on his way to Makkahto perform 'Umrah with some of his Companions,he sent Uthman ibn Affaan (RA) to the Quraish toexplain the purpose of their journey, and waited there for his return. When there was a delay in his return, everybody thought that the Quraish had killed him. They, therefore, took a firm pledge (baiyah) to avenge the killing of Uthman (RA).
Just then Uthman (RA) arrived with a Quraishi leader with a proposal of peace. The name of the man was Suhayl (meaning easiest). The Prophet (sallaallaahu alayhi wa sallam) said: "Now, the matter has become easy." This was followed by the famous Treaty of Hudaybiyyah between the Muslims and the Quraish. The influence of a name is markedly noticeable here. Although the terms of the Treaty appeared unfavourable to the Muslims at first sight, it contained the potential of a great victory.(Bukhari)
The Prophet (sallaallaahu alayhi wa sallam) was known to have changed names of locations as well. Initially, Madina was known as Yathrib (maligning, blaming).After the hijrah, it was named Madinatun Nabi (city of the Prophet). The Prophet (sallaallaahu alayhi wasallam) also named it Taba. Abu Humaid (RA)narrated: We were returning from Tabuk and saw Madinah from a distance; the Prophet (sallaallaahualayhi wa sallam) said: "This is Taba." (Baihaqi)
Fire begets Fire
It would seem that bad names also give more than bad image to its bearer. The evil effect of bad names could leave an indelible mark upon the person's mind because of its magnitude. Umar ibn al-Khattab(RA) once asked a man: 'What is your name? He replied: ''Jamra (firebrand)." He again asked: 'Whose son are you?" He replied: "Son of Shihab (flame, blaze)." He asked again: "To which clan do you belong?" He replied, "Haraka (burning)" Umar further asked, 'Where is your abode?" The man replied, "Bi Harrat an-Nar (in extreme heat of fire)."He finally asked, 'Which part of this?" He replied, "Bi-Dhatil Laza (flaming part). Umar (RA) said, "Go and look at your family - they have been burned." It was as Umar (RA) said. The man actually found his home burnt to ashes. (Muwatta)
Generation long
Answering a bad name sometimes leaves lasting negative effects. Sa'id ibn Musayyib (RAH) narrated on the authority of his father and grandfather. He (his grandfather) said: Once I went to the Prophet (sallaallaahu alayhi wa sallam) and he asked me: "What is your name?" I replied: "Hazn (hard or rough ground). He said: "You are Sahal (soft ground)." I said:"I will not change my name given me by my father."Ibn Musayyib (the grandson) said: "Hardship persisted in the character of the people of our clan since that time." (Bukhari)
Evil name, evil affliction
The effect of bad names does not only manifest in individuals but also in locations, throwing the inhabitants into distress. It is said that no place would be more unfortunate to have been the location for the killing of Hussain, the beloved grandson of the Prophet (sallaallaahu alayhi wa sallam), than Karbala, which is a combination of two evil names – Karb (grief. distress, torture) and Bala (tribulation, affliction). And Allaah knows best!