Date : 29-12-2011

Question :

What is the ruling of Sharia on changing the name "Abed" into another one?


The Answer :

All perfect praise be to Allah the Lord of the Worlds. May Allah`s peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Mohammad and upon all his family and companions.


It isn`t permissible to name a child "Abed" {Worshipper of Allah} only because when this name is combined with the name of the  father, it becomes, for example, "Abed so and so" or "AbedIbrahim." In principle, this name should be a compound one. I.e. it should be added to one of the beautiful names of Allah because Allah is the One and only God worthy of worship.


Moreover, the Messenger of Allah (Peace and blessings be upon him) used to change improper names into good ones. Narrated AbudDarda': The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said: "On the Day of Resurrection, you will be called by your names and by your father's names, so give yourselves good names." {Sunan Abi Dawud 4948}.


In conclusion, we advise the above questioner to add the name "Abed" to one of Allah`s beautiful names. And Allah the Almighty Knows Best.