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Fatwa CenterChanging names thinking they are unlucky
Question
I have a quick question which I hope that you will be able to help me answer. I have a Muslim neighbour who's about to change his son and daughters name (from Jamaal, Nabeela). These are nice names, Masha Allah... but he thinks they’re unlucky for some reason, and wants to change them. As far as I'm concerned we don't have superstition in Islam as this is a form of Shirk. Even misfortune is good for Mu’min and they should be grateful for all that Allah (SWT) in His wisdom has decreed. Our names are the names that will be used when we are called forward at the end of time. I know it's Islamicly incorrect to do this. Your advise would be much appreciated.
Answer
Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds; and may His blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all his Family and Companions.
Changing names for any good reason is permissible as reported in Saheeh Muslim that "The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) changed the name of a woman from Asiyah (disobedient) to Jameelah (beautiful)". As for changing names believing there is evil omen in them it is not permissible since the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) forbade believing in an evil omen. Abu Hurairah reported that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) said: “There is no bad omen. The best thing is al-Fal.” They asked him, ‘what is al-Fal.’ The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) said: “It is a good word, that one of you hears”.
No doubt, the two names mentioned in the question are good and indicate the good omen.
Know that the calamities that befall a person are actually trials from Allah who examines His slaves. Therefore, a Muslim should be patient believing that patience always results in good.
Imam Muslim narrated from Suhaib that: “Allah's Apostle (peace be upon him) said: Strange are the ways of a believer for there is good in every affair of his and this is not the case with anyone else except in the case of a believer for if he has an occasion to feel delight, he thanks (God), thus there is a good for him in it, and if he gets into trouble and shown resignation (and endures it patiently), there is some good for him in it.”
Moreover, one should return towards Allah seeking His help and blessings to remove his trials and save him from all kinds of calamities. The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) said: “Nothing but supplications averts the decree.” [Al Tirmizi]
Allah knows best.
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