Fatwa ID: 08144

Answered by: Moulana Ubaidur Rahman.

Question:

السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته
I heard that the name “Mirha” مِرحا means arrogant. Is that correct? If so, do we need to change the name, or does it also have other meanings?

Answer:

In Islam, having a good name is important as it is believed to be one of the main contributing factors towards helping build and shape the character of an individual. It helps make them who they are, and the essence and attributes of that name have an effect on them. That is why it is so important to always choose the correct name in the light of Islam.

In relation to the question, the name “Mirha” means ‘light’ and ‘purity’. It symbolizes radiance and positivity and has both religious and cultural roots. In other cultures, it carries the connotation of positive vibrancy, illumination, and guidance. It does not mean arrogant, and as a result, there would be no need to change it.

It is reported in hadeeth:

عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عَمْرِو بْنِ عَطَاءٍ، أَنَّ زَيْنَبَ بِنْتَ أَبِي سَلَمَةَ، سَأَلَتْهُ مَا سَمَّيْتَ ابْنَتَكَ قَالَ سَمَّيْتُهَا بَرَّةَ فَقَالَتْ إِنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ ﷺ نَهَى عَنْ هَذَا الاِسْمِ سُمِّيتُ بَرَّةَ فَقَالَ النَّبِيُّ ﷺ “لاَ تُزَكُّوا أَنْفُسَكُمُ اللَّهُ أَعْلَمُ بِأَهْلِ الْبِرِّ مِنْكُمْ” فَقَالَ مَا نُسَمِّيهَا قَالَ “سَمُّوهَا زَيْنَبَ”

Muhammad b. ‘Amr b. ‘Ata said: Zainab, daughter of Abu Salamah, asked him: “Which name did you give to your daughter?” He replied: “Barrah.” She said: “The Messenger of Allah (May peace be upon him) forbade giving this name. I was called Barrah, but the Prophet (May peace be upon him) said: Do not declare yourselves pure, for Allah knows best those of you who are obedient.” He said: “We asked: Which name should we give her?” He replied: “Call her Zainab.” [1]

[2] حيثُ يُسمّي بعضُ المسلمين أبناءهم وبناتهم بأسماءٍ أجنبيةٍ ويتركون أسماءَ آبائهم وأمهاتهم وأجدادهم وجداتهم والأسماءَ المعروفةَ في مجتمعهم. وقد قال النبي ﷺ: “خَيْرُ الأَسْمَاءِ عَبْدُ اللَّهِ وَعَبْدُ الرَّحْمَنِ” وبسبب تغييرِ الأسماءِ فقد وُجد جيلٌ يحملُ أسماءً غريبةً، مما يسبب الانفصالَ بين هذا الجيل والأجيالِ السابقةِ ويقطعُ التعارفَ بين الأسرِ التي كانتْ تُعرفُ بأسمائها الخاصةِ.

Only Allah (عز وجل) knows best.

Written by Moulana Ubaidur Rahman.
Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah
Darul Ifta Birmingham

[1] Sunan Abi Dawood, 4953, Book 43, Hadith 181.

[2] Kitaabul Walaai Wal Baraai Fil Islaam, Page 15-16, Maktabatus Shaamila.