Fatwa ID: 08101

Answered by: Maulana 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?

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.

Only Allah knows best.

Written by Maulana Sibghat Ullah

Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham