Naming a child Malak in Islam

25-5-2004 | IslamWeb

Question:

Is the name Malak allowed for Muslim?

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Answer:

Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds; and may His blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all his Family and Companions.

 

It is unlawful to give names that denote greatness or superiority.  Allah Says (interpretation of meaning): {….So ascribe not purity to yourselves. He knows best him who fears Allâh and keep his duty to Him [i.e. those who are Al-Muttaqûn (pious).}[53:32].

Muslim reported from Zainab Bint Abi Salamah (Radiya Allahu Anha) that “(her parents) named her Barrah (the obedient).”  The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) said: “Do not ascribe purity to yourself.  Allah Knows best the pious amongst you.”  They (her parents) said: ‘What do we call her?” The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) said, “Call her Zainab”.

Naming a person “Malak” denotes a sign of superiority.  So, we believe that it is dislikable. 

 

Allah knows best.