Sahih Muslim 2142a — Two Reports of Barra Renamed Zainab

Summary of Sahih Muslim Hadith 2142a

This hadith about the name Zainab gives two examples in one report. Zainab, daughter of Umm Salama, said her first name was Barra, and Allah's Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم gave her the name Zainab. She then mentioned Zainab, daughter of Jahsh, whose name was also Barra, and the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم gave her the same name, Zainab. The report shows a repeated pattern in the Prophet's practice: the name Barra was replaced with Zainab. The hadith itself does not add a long explanation in this wording, so the safest reading is to stay with what it says. It records the change of name and shows that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم chose a clear alternative for both women.