Question:
I wanted to ask that is there a problem with naming a baby girl “Maryam” or “Zainab”, as some people say it might bring bad luck or a harsh life to the name bearer? Is there any truth in saying that naming certain names may bring harm to the life or personality of the child later?
Will be waiting for your reply,
JazakAllah
Answer:
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-Salāmu ‘Alaykum Wa-Rahmatullāhi Wa-Barakātuh.
Respected Brother/Sister in Islām,
Firstly, it is important to understand that there is no concept of bad luck or evil omens in Islām. These beliefs are merely superstitions. Rather, we believe that everything is in the control of Allāh ﷻ. Consider the following hadīth:
قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: «لَا عَدْوَى وَلَا طِيَرَةَ، وَلَا هَامَةَ وَلَا صَفَرَ، وَفِرَّ مِنَ المَجْذُومِ كَمَا تَفِرُّ مِنَ الأَسَدِ.[1]
Translation: The Messenger of Allāh ﷺ said: “There is no contagious disease, nor evil omens (from birds), nor Hāmah (superstition regarding owls), nor superstitious beliefs regarding the month of Safar, and flee from the leper as you flee from a lion”.
The meaning of this hadīth is that it is impermissible to believe that such things have any inherent effects on the occurrences of this world, but rather, it is Allāh ﷻ who is the true cause of everything.[2] Likewise, it is incorrect to believe that the name of a child will bring about “bad luck” in their life.
In fact, the names Maryam and Zaynab are praiseworthy names as they are the names of pious women of the past. Maryam, the mother of ‘Īsá (‘Alayhi al-Salām), was mentioned by the Prophet ﷺ to be among the best women in Paradise.[3] Zaynab was the name of two of the wives of the Prophet ﷺ as well as one of his daughters. (May Allāh ﷻ be pleased with them all.)
Additionally, these names themselves have good meanings. Maryam means a devout worshipper or one who serves.[4] Zaynab is the name of a fragrant plant.[5] Therefore, there is absolutely no harm in naming a baby girl Maryam or Zaynab.
And Allah Ta’ala Knows Best.
Adil Sadique
Student Darul Iftaa
New York, USA
Checked and Approved by,
Mufti Muhammad Zakariyya Desai.
