Joking among friends using the names of Jews or Christians
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Fatwa number ( 20818 )
Q: We are a group of young men who are committed, praise be to Allah, and we work together in one place and also live together in one place. During our joking, we call each other by names other than our own, such as (George, Peter, John, Michael, Benjamin). We know that these names do not cause any of us any anger or upset, but these are names common among Christians. Is this forbidden? We only call each other by them in jest. Please advise us, may Allah reward you with good.
A : This action is not permissible; because it is imitating the disbelievers in their names. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:Sunan Abi Dawud 4031Hasan Sahih (Al-Albani) . Therefore, it is obligatory to avoid calling each other by these foreign names, even if it is in the way of joking. And success is from Allah, and may Allah send prayers and blessings upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and his Companions.
Q: We are a group of young men who are committed, praise be to Allah, and we work together in one place and also live together in one place. During our joking, we call each other by names other than our own, such as (George, Peter, John, Michael, Benjamin). We know that these names do not cause any of us any anger or upset, but these are names common among Christians. Is this forbidden? We only call each other by them in jest. Please advise us, may Allah reward you with good.
A : This action is not permissible; because it is imitating the disbelievers in their names. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
He who copies any people is one of them.
من تشبه بقوم فهو منهم
Source
www.alifta.gov.sa
The Arabic text is copied verbatim from the original source, without any edits.