Fatwa ID: 07637
Answered by Alimah Shireen Mangera-Badat
Question:
Assalamu alaikum. My daughters name is Zimal. She is 4 yrs old now. I came to know that zimal word has no meaning. kindly plz confirm it whether it has a meaning related to Islam. Also what if I change her name to Saliha is it good for her?
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Answer
Naming a child is an important responsibility in Islam, and it is recommended to choose names that have good meanings and are reflective of Islamic values. Let’s address your concerns regarding the name “Zimal” and the potential change to “Saliha.”
In Islam, it is recommended to give children names with good and positive meanings. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasised the importance of selecting names with virtuous meanings. A name can have a profound impact on a person’s identity and personality. It is mentioned in hadith The Prophet (ﷺ) said: On the Day of Resurrection, you will be called by your names and by your father’s names, so give yourselves good names.1
The name “Zimal” does not have a known meaning in Arabic, nor does it have any recognized significance in Islamic tradition. While it is not obligatory to have a name with a specific Islamic meaning, it is preferable to choose a name that carries positive connotations, especially if the name is intended to reflect one’s Muslim identity.
Given that “Zimal” does not carry a clear meaning, you might consider changing it to a name that is well-known and has a positive meaning in Islam.
“Saliha” (صالحة) is an Arabic name that has a clear and positive meaning in Islam. It means “righteous,” “virtuous,” or “pious.” It is derived from the root word “صلاح” (salah), which means “righteousness” or “goodness.” Naming your daughter “Saliha” would imply that she is righteous and good, qualities highly valued in Islam.2
If you decide to change your daughter’s name to “Saliha,” it would be considered a good and commendable choice in Islam. The new name carries a significant and positive meaning, and there is no harm in changing a name, especially if the new name has a better meaning.3
Therefore, the name “Zimal” does not have a recognized meaning in Islamic tradition or the Arabic language. While there is no harm in keeping the name, it is preferable to choose a name with a clear and positive meaning, especially in Islamic culture. “Saliha” is a beautiful and meaningful name that reflects righteousness and piety. Changing your daughter’s name to “Saliha” would be a good decision and is in line with Islamic teachings on the importance of choosing good names.
Only Allah knows best.
Written by Alimah Shireen Mangera-Badat
Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah
Darul Ifta Birmingham
1 حَدَّثَنَا عَمْرُو بْنُ عَوْنٍ، قَالَ أَخْبَرَنَا ح، وَحَدَّثَنَا مُسَدَّدٌ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا هُشَيْمٌ، عَنْ دَاوُدَ بْنِ عَمْرٍو، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ أَبِي زَكَرِيَّاءَ، عَنْ أَبِي الدَّرْدَاءِ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم “ إِنَّكُمْ تُدْعَوْنَ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ بِأَسْمَائِكُمْ وَأَسْمَاءِ آبَائِكُمْ فَأَحْسِنُوا أَسْمَاءَكُمْ ” . قَالَ أَبُو دَاوُدَ ابْنُ أَبِي زَكَرِيَّاءَ لَمْ يُدْرِكْ أَبَا الدَّرْدَاءِ (Abi Dawood 4948)
2 Al-Qamus Al-Muhit (القاموس المحيط) by Al-Firuzabadi: “الصالحة: المرأة التقية النقية الطاهرة”
(Vol. 1, pg. 1095)
3 Fath al-Qadir (فتح القدير) “ولا بأس بتغيير الاسم إلى ما هو أحسن”
“There is no harm in changing a name to something better.”
(Vol. 4, pg. 518)
