Muhammad Salman Raza Qadiri Page

*“Good Names”*
#12

— Many people will be surprised to learn that “Ḥūr” referring to the maidens of Paradise is actually a plural form. Its singular form is “Ḥawrāʾ.” Yes, there is another word “Ḥūr” used in the singular, but its meaning is “loss” or “damage.” Therefore, “Ḥūr” cannot properly be used as a name. People also create variations of this name, such as “Ḥūrain,” whose meaning would become “two losses/damages.” “Ḥūram” would mean “my ḥūrs.” It is likely originally “Ḥawrāʾam,” something a man would say to his wife, which Urdu speakers later simplified into “Ḥūram.”

— “Khulfān” should also be noted as a dual form, not singular. If read with a fatḥah on the khāʾ (Khalfān), it means “two who come behind,” and if read with a ḍammah (Khulfān), it means “two successors.” Therefore, this too cannot properly be used as a child’s name.

— “Kāmyār” is a Persian word meaning “successful.” According to its meaning, this name is fine and may be kept. It is synonymous with “Kāmrān.”

— “Sāmiʿah” or “Samīʿah” means “one who listens.” There is nothing wrong with the meaning, so it may be kept as a name. However, when such a name comes up, we suggest and recommend “Sumayyah,” because it was the name of a female Companion of the Messenger ﷺ, the first martyr of Islam, and the noble mother of Sayyidunā ʿAmmār ibn Yāsir رضي الله عنه. There are great blessings associated with this name.

— “Khulqān” means “worn-out and old.” And to combine this name with the blessed and noble name “Muḥammad” is extremely bad and impermissible.

— “ʿĀliyān” means “two lofty/high things.” This name can neither be used for a male nor in the singular form.

— Naming someone “Muḥammad Burāq” is also incorrect. Even if it were to be used, it would have to be without the blessed name “Muḥammad,” and even then scholars differ regarding it. Its meaning is “the flying creature that is as swift as lightning.”

— “Muḥammad Ḥassān” is a good and meaningful name. Sayyidunā Ḥassān رضي الله عنه, the poet who recited praise of the Noble Master of the Worlds ﷺ, bore this name. Its meaning is “one possessing abundant goodness and beauty.”

To be continued…