Why do Muslims say the adhan in a newborn’s ear — and which names are discouraged? Quick, practical guidance on choosing a good Islamic name.
In different religions and cultures there are rules and recommendations for selecting an appropriate name. In Islam, naming a child carries special significance and there are many rulings and suggestions on this subject. Among these rulings are the following:
Choosing a good name: One of the most important points when choosing a name is that it should be good. The name should have a pleasant, positive meaning, and parents should avoid ugly, ominous, or names that are associated with wicked or corrupt people.
Using the Names of Allah (Asma’ Allah al-Ḥusnā): It is highly recommended to use the beautiful names of Allah or combinations that derive from them when naming a child.
Avoiding names of idols and devils: Naming a child after idols or demons is forbidden and this action displeases God.
Pay attention to the meaning: Parents should know the meaning of the name they choose for their child and make sure that the name has a good meaning.
(Adhan and iqama in the newborn’s ears): After the birth of a newborn, the adhan is recited in the child’s right ear and the iqama in the left ear. This practice is the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and is believed to bring blessing and abundant good for the child.
Other religions and cultures also have rules and recommendations for naming children. For example, in Christianity a child is often named in church and names with Hebrew or Greek roots are commonly chosen. In some cultures, names are chosen based on the child’s birth date, physical features, or the family’s social position.
Easy pronunciation: The name you choose should be easy to pronounce and clear.
Harmony with the family name: The chosen name should harmonize with the family or surname and create a pleasing combination.
Consider the future: The name chosen for your child should continue to be appropriate for them in the future and not cause embarrassment.
Seeking others’ opinions: Before finalizing the name, you may ask the opinions of relatives and close friends.
In the end, choosing a name for a child is a personal decision, and parents should select the best name for their child according to their own beliefs and culture.
Question: Is it obligatory that a good name for the child be a Prophet’s name?
Answer: No — it is not obligatory. Any name that has a good meaning and does not disgrace the child is acceptable.
Islamic Rulings on Naming a Child
Field | Information |
|---|---|
Topic | Islamic guidance on naming children |
Reading time | 3 minutes |
Type | Religious rulings / parental guidance |
Original language | Persian |
Recipe metadata | Not applicable — this is not a recipe |
Tip |
|---|
Choose a name with a good and pleasant meaning. |
Prefer names derived from the Names of Allah or respected Islamic figures (e.g., |
Avoid names associated with idols, demons, or those with negative connotations. |
Learn the meaning of any name before choosing it for your child. |
It is customary to recite the adhan in the newborn’s right ear and the iqama in the left. |
You may consult family and close friends before finalizing the name. |
