Fatwa ID: 08116

Answered by: Molana Sibghat Ullah

Question:

I heard that the name “mirha” مِرحا means arrogant? Is that correct, if so, then do we need to change the name or does it also have other meaning?

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيْم

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Answer:

The Arabic word (مرح) means cheerfulness and happiness. It also means arrogance or pride.

Allah says in the Quran: –

وَلَا تَمْشِ فِي الْأَرْضِ مَرَحًا

And do not walk upon the earth exultantly [in] arrogance.

Surah Al-Isra, 17:37

In this verse, “مرحًا” is used to discourage arrogance and excessive pride. While joy and happiness are generally positive traits, in this context, it refers to overindulgence or haughtiness, which Islam discourages.

It is better to choose a name with an unambiguous meaning or the names of the mothers of believers, e.g., Khadijah, Ayisha, Hafsa, Safiya, etc.

Hope this answers the question.

Only Allah knows best.

Written by Molana Sibghat Ullah
Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah
Darul Ifta Birmingham