What is the ruling on naming with names that are among the names of Allah or His attributes, such as Ru'uf (the Most Merciful), 'Aziz (the Almighty), Jabbar (the Compeller), and the like? Is such naming permissible, or must it be changed for the one who has taken such a name?
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The questioner : What is the ruling on naming with names that are among the names of Allah or His attributes, such as Ru'uf (the Most Merciful), 'Aziz (the Almighty), Jabbar (the Compeller), and the like? Is such naming permissible, or must it be changed for the one who has taken such a name?
The Shaykh : Praise be to Allah, Lord of the worlds, and I send prayers and peace upon our Prophet Muhammad, and upon his family and all his Companions. Naming with the names of Allah, Mighty and Majestic, takes two forms. The first form is when the name is prefixed with or when the meaning of the attribute indicated by the name is intended. In this case, no one other than Allah is named with it, just as if one were to name someone al-'Aziz (the Almighty), al-Sayyid (the Master), al-Hakim (the Wise), or the like. This is not permissible for anyone other than Allah, because these indicate a glimpse of the essence, which is the meaning contained in this name. Likewise, if the meaning of the attribute is intended by the name, even if it is not prefixed with , then it is not permissible to name with it. For this reason, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) changed the kunya of Abu al-Hakim, which he used, because his companions would seek his judgment in disputes. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: Sunan an-Nasa'i 5387Hasan (Darussalam) Then he gave him the kunya of his eldest son, Shurayh, so he was called Abu Shurayh. This indicates that if a person takes a name from the names of Allah while considering the meaning of the attribute contained in that name, it is prohibited, because such naming would be an exact match for the names of Allah, Glorified and Exalted is He.
The questioner : Yes.
The Shaykh : As for the second form, it is when a person takes a name that is not prefixed with and the meaning of the attribute is not intended. This is permissible, such as al-Hakim (the Judge) or Hakim. Among the names of some of the Companions was Hakim ibn Hizam, to whom the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: Sunan Ibn Majah 2187Hasan (Darussalam)
This is evidence that if the meaning of the attribute is not intended by the name, there is no harm in it. However, in the case of Jabbar (the Compeller), it is not recommended to take this name, even if the attribute is not intended, because it may affect the person's psyche, causing them to have arrogance, haughtiness, and pride over creation. Therefore, a person should avoid such things that may affect their owner. And Allah knows best.
The questioner : The second question says.
The Shaykh : Praise be to Allah, Lord of the worlds, and I send prayers and peace upon our Prophet Muhammad, and upon his family and all his Companions. Naming with the names of Allah, Mighty and Majestic, takes two forms. The first form is when the name is prefixed with
al-
الal-
الal-
الAllah is Al-Hakam (the Judge) and judgment is His
إن الله هو الحكم وإليه الحكمThe questioner : Yes.
The Shaykh : As for the second form, it is when a person takes a name that is not prefixed with
al-
الDo not sell what is not with you.
لا تبع ما ليس عندكThis is evidence that if the meaning of the attribute is not intended by the name, there is no harm in it. However, in the case of Jabbar (the Compeller), it is not recommended to take this name, even if the attribute is not intended, because it may affect the person's psyche, causing them to have arrogance, haughtiness, and pride over creation. Therefore, a person should avoid such things that may affect their owner. And Allah knows best.
The questioner : The second question says.