Can we, as Muslims, keep non-Arabic names?

30 Sep 2020 -

Can we, as Muslims, keep non-Arabic names? QUESTION: I am hearing that it is impermissible to name a newborn boy Binyameen since it is a Hebrew name. Is this correct? Please could you clarify. ANSWER: In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh. It will be permissible to name one’s child ‘Binyameen’. Consider the following points:

Binyameen is the name of the brother of the Prophet Yusuf (peace be upon him), as has been mentioned my many of the exegetists (Mufassiroon)[1]; The name Binyameen translates to ‘beloved trustworthy son’ or ‘fortunate son’[2], and Shariah allows names that have positive connotations and meanings; The name Binyameen is a culturally accepted Muslim name[3].

As for the Hebrew origin of this name, Islam does not forbid from keeping names derived from languages other than Arabic. The names of the majority of the prophets, including Ibraheem, Ismaeel, Is‘haaq, Yaqoob etc. are all non-Arabic names, yet many of the Sahaabah and pious predecessors kept such names. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ himself named his son Ibraheem. Thus, there is nothing wrong with non-Arabic names, as long as:

The name does not create doubts of Shirk (i.e. the name does not express one’s devotion to something other than Allah, nor does the name carry the meaning of those qualities that are specific with Allah); The name does not hold negative connotations and meanings; The name is considered a Muslim name, such that when people hear the name, they assume the person to be a Muslim and not a non-Muslim[4].

In light of the above, there is nothing wrong with naming one’s child ‘Binyameen’. And Allah knows best Ishaq Chowdhury Concurred by: Hanif Patel Muadh Chati Asmar Akram Approved by: Mufti Siraj Sitponi Falahi