Please provide the meaning of the name Hareem

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.

It is the right of a child to be given an appropriate name.  Nabi (Sallalahu Alaihi Wasallam)  has said in a Hadith:

إِنَّكُمْ تُدْعَوْنَ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ بِأَسْمَائِكُمْ وَأَسْمَاءِ آبَائِكُمْ فَأَحْسِنُوا أَسْمَاءَكُمْ

Translation: “Indeed, on the Day of Judgment you will be called by your names and the names of your fathers.  Therefore, give yourselves good names.” {Abu Dawud}

In considering a name, it is also important to consider ones environment and the use of the name in that environment. The name “Hareem” is very close to the word “Haraam” which means prohibited. This word could be used and interpreted in a derogative way, for example illegitimate child etc. Therefore, we do not advise you to keep the name Hareem for a baby girl, in an environment where the word could be misconstrued.

We advise you to keep the name of Sahabiyyaat and pious women. Examples of such names are: Halima, Hafsa, Haseena etc.

And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best

Ahmad Patel

Student Darul Iftaa

South Africa

Checked and Approved by,
Mufti Ebrahim Desai.

سنن أبي داود (2/ 705( 

 4948 - حدثنا عمرو بن عون قال أخبرنا ح وحدثنا مسدد قال ثنا هشيم عن داود بن عمرو عن عبد الله بن أبي زكريا عن أبي الدرداء قال

 قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم " إنكم تدعون يوم القيامة بأسمائكم وأسماء آبائكم فأحسنوا أسماءكم "

 سنن أبي داؤد باب في تغيير الأسماء (287/4)

 سنن أبي داؤد باب في تغيير الأسماء (287/4)