Names and Surnames in Islam - Definition, Etymology, and Significance
Overview
Islamic names and surnames are profoundly influenced by the teachings of Prophet Muhammad and the ancient customs of Arabia. Understanding these names reveals a great deal about Islamic culture, history, and values. In this article, we delve into the significance and etymology of Islamic names and surnames, categorized as Ism (اسم), Laqab (لقب), and Kunyah (كنية).
Etymology and Translations
Ism (اسم): Refers to a personal name in Arabic.
Laqab (لقب): Signifies a nickname or title.
Kunyah (كنية): Represents a person’s epithet, usually derived from their child’s name (e.g., Abū, Umm).
Translations in Turkish:
- Ism: İsim
- Laqab: Lakap
- Kunyah: Künyesi
Categories and Examples
Prophetic Influence on Nomenclature
Prophet Muhammad’s teachings have had a substantial impact on the naming conventions among Muslims. This is evident from the “Bābu ʾl-Asāmī” chapter in the traditional collection Mishkātu ʾl-Masābiḥ. Prophet Muhammad advised against certain names and recommended others, shaping Islamic nomenclature.
Key Sayings on Names:
- “The best names in the sight of God are ʿAbdu ʾllāh (Servant of God) and ʿAbdu ʾr-Raḥmān (Servant of the Merciful One).”
- “You must not name your slaves Yasār (abundance), Rabāḥ (gain), Najīḥ (prosperous), or Aflaḥ (felicitous)…”
- “The vilest name you can give a human being is Maliku ʾl-Amlāk, or ‘King of Kings,’ because no one can be such but God Himself.”
Proper Use of Names:
- Children: Naming them after the Prophet Muhammad or using positive names like ʿAbdu ʾllāh and ʿAbdu ʾr-Raḥmān.
- Slaves: Avoid referring to them as “my slave” but instead use names like “my boy” or “my girl.”
Examples
- Single Name: Muhammad, Mūsā (Moses), Dāʾūd (David)
- Parental Reference (Kunyah): Abū Dāʾūd (Father of David), Ummu Salimah (Mother of Salimah)
- Patronymics: Ibn ʿUmar (Son of ʿUmar), Ibn ʿAbbās (Son of ʿAbbās)
- Combining Words: Nūru ʾd-dīn (Light of Religion), ʿAbdu ʾllāh (Servant of God)
- Nicknames: Abū Hurairah (Kitten’s father)
- Trades or Professions: al-Manṣūr al-Ḥallāj (Manṣūr the dresser of cotton)
- Birthplace: al-Buk͟hārī (native of Buk͟hārah)
Influence on Western Names
Western languages have often modified Arabic names, resulting in variations that can be quite unrecognizable from the original. Examples include:
- Averroës: From Ibn Rashīd
- Avicenna: From Ibn Sīnā
- Achmet: From Aḥmad
- Amurath: From al-Murād
- Saladin: From Ṣalāḥu ʾd-dīn (Peace of Religion)
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Arabic Names: A Guide to the Complexities, Etiquette, and Traditions” by Richard James
- “The Names of Muhammad” by Ibn Asakir
- “Noble Names: An Analysis of Islamic Naming Conventions” by Laila Ahmed
Takeaways and Conclusion
Islamic names tell rich stories and convey cultural values deeply rooted in religious teachings. By understanding the categories of Ism, Laqab, and Kunyah, as well as the prophetic traditions influencing these names, one can gain a deeper appreciation of Islamic cultural heritage.
Islamic nomenclature is not just a means of identification but also a reflection of one’s faith, ancestry, and societal roles. The structured approach to names in Islam underscores the value placed on identity and spiritual meaning.
