What is the correct way of naming a child? If the father is called Masud Ahmed and he calls his son Khalid. Can he give the full name Khalid Masud

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Is there a proper way of naming a boy and girl. Many people use middle names in western countries therefore many Muslims living in these countries give middle names to their children ie many girls have a middle name of Fatimah. Is it ok to give a middle name and is it necessary to have a surname. If the father is called Masud Ahmed and he calls his son Khalid. Can he give the full name Khalid Masud to his son? Can he call him Khalid Bin Masud or should it be Khalid Ibn Masud? A detailed answer would be appreciated.

Mufti Ebrahim Desai · Accepted Answer

The companions of Nabi (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) are guiding starts. We should endervour to follow them in every aspect of life. Similarly, it is important to keep a good name for our child. What better can there be than the names of Sahaaba (Radhiallaahu Anhu)?

Therefore, firstly, we should name our children after the Sahaaba. Secondly, as long as the child can easily be distinguished from others of a similar name, it is sufficient. Many Sahaaba, for example, named their sons Abdullah. Therefore, in order to distinguish one from another, the father's name was attached to the son, e.g. Abdullah ibn Umar, Abdullah ibn Mas'ood, Abdullah ibn Abbaas, Abdullah ibn Ja'afar, etc. (Radhiallaahu Anhum). In our custom, the surname will suffice to distinguish two such person who have the same name. There is no compulsion that one has to attach the father's name with the name of the son like Sahaaha did. The object is to distinguish which can be attained through the surname, however, if one wants to do away with a surname and attach his name with his son's name, then there is no harm.

and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best

Mufti Ebrahim Desai

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