Is it correct to name the child as 'Nabi' or 'Rasul'?
Naming a child as 'Nabi' (prophet) or 'Rasul' (messenger) is generally discouraged in Islamic tradition, as these titles carry significant religious connotations and are reserved for the prophets chosen by Allah.
In the Qur'an, Allah emphasizes the importance of invoking Him by His names and the sanctity of His attributes. For example, in Surah Al-A'raaf, it states: Allah's are the fairest names. Invoke Him by them.
7:180. This indicates that names reflecting divine attributes or titles should be treated with respect.
Additionally, in the hadith, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ advised against naming children with titles that imply a high status or role that is not appropriate for ordinary believers. For instance, it is reported in Sahih al-Bukhari that the Prophet ﷺ said: Name him after me and do not use my kunyah.
Sahih al-Bukhari 57:23. This illustrates the importance of modesty in naming, suggesting that names should reflect humility rather than elevate one’s status falsely.
While there are discussions about permissible names in Islamic teachings, it would be best to choose names that have positive meanings and are in line with Islamic tradition, without attributing titles that could lead to misunderstanding or inappropriate claims.
Sources
-
7:180 · Al-A'raaf
7:180 · Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall
وَلِلَّهِ ٱلْأَسْمَآءُ ٱلْحُسْنَىٰ فَٱدْعُوهُ بِهَا ۖ وَذَرُوا۟ ٱلَّذِينَ يُلْحِدُونَ فِىٓ أَسْمَٰٓئِهِۦ ۚ سَيُجْزَوْنَ مَا كَانُوا۟ يَعْمَلُونَ
Allah's are the fairest names. Invoke Him by them. And leave the company of those who blaspheme His names. They will be requited what they do.
-
Sahih al-Bukhari 57:23
Sahih al-Bukhari · Book 57, Hadith 23 · Narrated by Jabir ibn Abdullah
A man from among us from the Ansar had a boy born to him and he wanted to name him Muhammad. Shuba said in Mansur's narration: The Ansari said, 'I carried him on my neck and brought him to the Prophet (ﷺ).' In Sulayman's narration: 'A boy was born to him and he desired to name him Muhammad. The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Name him after me and do not be like my kunyah (nickname), for I was only named Qasim for the sake of dividing (inheritance) among you." Wasin said, "I sent Qasim to divide among you." Amr reported Shuba from Qatadah who said: 'I heard Salim from Jabir wanted to name him Qasim. The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Name him after me and do not use my kunyah."'
Answers are generated and checked automatically; they may still be incomplete or imperfect. For religious rulings, consult a qualified scholar.
Ask your own question →