Re: Naming a muslim baby and Pakistani trend
Don't non-Muslims Arabs share names with Muslim Arabs? How do you differentiate which name is Muslim or non-Muslim, leaving aside the obvious names like Ahmed or Mohammed? What about names like Junejo, Channa, Butt or the various other common Pakistani surnames?
Re: Naming a muslim baby and Pakistani trend
Names reflect native language/origin/culture not religion. The names we normally associate with Islam were Arab names. The jews, pagans all had those names.
When Islam spread to persia and central asia, Persian and Turkish names became common among Muslims. Similarly Muslims in East Asia and those in Russia reflect their native language and origin rather than religion.
So there isnt anything as a Muslim name.
Both of you have good points.
I think what is also advised that one should not name a child which could associate him/her to another religion.
In other words, if the name is commonly used in other religion then it is not advised.
1- Name which has good meaning.
2- Name which is Islamic.
3- Do not name which is common to non-Muslims. Joseph versus Yousuf. Abraham versus Ibrahim. and your example of David.
4- Nothing wrong in naming based on locality. Mehmet or Mehmed is Turkish/Bosnian name. Also Jusuf is a Bosnian name.
I agree with the custom of using Quran is not Islamic. Just makes people feel good about it. :)
Do you know this only applies to parents who are Muslims and many mixed couples still do not follow these recommendations.
^ i disagree .. we have been clearly told that, as muslims, we should keep those names that associate us with the Islam.
For example the name Daaood is a muslim name , David is the english version. Muslims who name their kids David might argue its the name of a prophet. however clearly Arabic being the language of Quran, we know we should prefer Daaood rather then David ..
There clear evidence and proof through Sunnah that muslims should choose islamic associated names rather the biblical terms or any other non Islamic terms..