43/65. Chapter:
Jami at-Tirmidhi 2836 — Avoiding Certain Names
What Has Been Related About What Names Are Disliked
Hadith About Avoiding Certain Names in Islam
Jami at-Tirmidhi : 2836
Jami at-TirmidhiHadith Number 2836
حَدَّثَنَا مَحْمُودُ بْنُ غَيْلاَنَ، حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو دَاوُدَ، عَنْ شُعْبَةَ، عَنْ مَنْصُورٍ، عَنْ هِلاَلِ بْنِ يِسَافٍ، عَنِ الرَّبِيعِ بْنِ عُمَيْلَةَ الْفَزَارِيِّ، عَنْ سَمُرَةَ بْنِ جُنْدُبٍ، أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ " لاَ تُسَمِّي غُلاَمَكَ رَبَاحٌ وَلاَ أَفْلَحُ وَلاَ يَسَارٌ وَلاَ نَجِيحٌ يُقَالُ أَثَمَّ هُوَ فَيُقَالُ لاَ " . قَالَ أَبُو عِيسَى هَذَا حَدِيثٌ حَسَنٌ صَحِيحٌ .
Samura b. Jundub Narrated from:
The Messenger Of Allah (ﷺ) Said: "Do Not Name Your Boy Rabah, Nor Aflah, Nor Yasar, Nor Najih, So That It May Be Said: 'Is He There?' And It May Be Said: 'No.'"
[1] For example : “Is Aflāh there?” “No.” Which would mean there is no prosperity here.Reference : Jami` at-Tirmidhi 2836In-book reference : Book 43, Hadith 110English translation : Vol. 5, Book 41, Hadith 2836
Summary of Jami at-Tirmidhi Hadith 2836
This hadith about avoiding certain names gives both the names and the reason. The Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم said not to name your boy Rabah, Aflah, Yasar, or Najih. Then the text explains the problem: someone may ask, 'Is he there?' and it may be said, 'No.' These names carry meanings that can sound awkward when denied in speech. The narration teaches care in choosing names and care in how names are heard in daily conversation. It does not say every name with a good meaning is wrong. It points to these specific names in this wording and shows that even ordinary questions and answers can affect naming manners.
What we learn from this hadith
- The hadith mentions avoiding the names Rabah, Aflah, Yasar, and Najih.
- The reason given is the awkward reply when someone asks if the person is present.
- Names should be chosen with attention to meaning and daily use.
- The narration is specific, so its wording should not be made broader without proof.
