Fatwa #142031 May 2006Pakistan
I want to know the meaning of the Arabic word"Ar-Rayyan"
Question
I want to know the meaning of the Arabic word"Ar-Rayyan" other than a gate in heaven which will allow the fasting ones to enter through it.Is it an appropriate name for a muslim child?
Answer
1. Lexically, the word ‘Rayyaan’ means well-watered, lush, succulent, pretty, sated with drink, etc. It is commonly used as an adjective for something positive, e.g. some who has a lot of knowledge would be referred to as ‘Rayyaan bil Ilm’. Therefore, the name Rayyaan has a positive meaning and is appropriate to keep.
2. An alternative to Rayyaan which is similar to it in pronunciation is Rayhaan which means sweet, basic, fragrant, etc.
and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best
Mufti Ebrahim Desai