Keeping names: Safūah, Sārah, Nūhā, Mahdī and Rayhān

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

As-salāmu ‘alaykumwa-rahmatullāhiwa-barakātuh.

When choosing a name for the child, it should be done with the intention that the child will be blessed with the barakah of that name. The name of a person has an effect on the individual’s personality and his/her characteristics.

Consider the following ḥādīth:

إِنَّكُمْ تُدْعَوْنَ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ بِأَسْمَائِكُمْ وَأَسْمَاءِ آبَائِكُمْ فَأَحْسِنُوا أَسْمَاءَكُمْ 

Translation: On the Day of Resurrection, you will be called by your names and by your father's names, so give yourselves good names. (Sunan-Abu Dawood)

1.     The arabic equivalent of the name ‘Safoorah’ is صَفورَاءُ  or صَفُورَةُ . It is the name of the wife of Mūsa ‘alaihisalām.[i] It is a suitable name to keep.

2.     The Arabic equivalent of the name ‘Sarah’ is ‘سَارَة‘. It is the name of the wife of Ibrahīm ‘alaihisalām. It means ‘a leader’ and thus could be taken (by way of good omen) to represent the connotation of ‘a person with leadership qualities’. Hence, it is also a suitable name.

3.     The correct arabic equivalent of the name ‘nuha’ is نهى.[ii]It means ‘intellect’. It is a suitable name to keep.

4.     The name ‘mahdi’ means one guided to the truth.[iii] It is a suitable name to keep.

5.     The name ‘rayhaan’ means a fragrant flower.[iv] It is a suitable name to keep.

And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best

Ikraam Elias Gangat

Student - Darul Iftaa

Zambia 

Checked and Approved by,

Mufti Ebrahim Desai.

(2021-02-28)