Men in Islam

It was brought to my attention that I had concentrated on the duties and responsibilities of the woman in Islam, why hadn't I included the duties and responsibilities of the man?  On this page will be listed the duties and responsibilities of the man according to the Qur'an and Sunnah.

Religious Obligations

The man, once he reaches the age of puberty, is responsible for performing all salats (prayers), fasting, and the performance of Hajj when he is financially and physically able.  It is mandatory on him to attend all prayers at the mosque in congregation if he is physically able to do so.  This is especially true of Juma'ah.

CONCERNING PRAYER IN JUMA'AH: 

Prayer in Juma'ah is acceptable only if he prays it with the Muslim Juma'ah in the mosque - since Allah ta'aalaa did not only order Prayer but also added to it - And bow down your heads with those who bow down (in worship). [2:43] - and he is not allowed to suffice with praying in his home and leave the Juma'ah of the Muslims. And the Messenger (S) ordered every fit and well Muslim to pray in the Mosque and desired to burn those who remained in their houses - as occurs in 'Sahih al- Bukhari' and 'Sahih Muslim' from Abu Hurairah (R). He (S) did not burn the houses because of the presence of women and children on whom Prayer in the mosque is not obligatory. 

Following is another excerpt form an article by Sheikh ibn Baaz's article on prayer... <<.....During his travels, he used to practice the two optional Rakaat before the morning prayer and also the Witr prayer (after the I'sha prayer). There is no objection to perform these optional prayers in the mosque, but it is better to perform it at home, because the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be on him, said "The best of the prayers are those which are fulfilled at one's own home, with exception to obligatory prayers which should be performed in congregation at the mosque.">> Following are a collection of Hadith that speak about the importance of congregational prayer... Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith -Hadith 1.631 Narrated by Abu Huraira The Prophet said, "Allah will prepare for him who goes to the mosque (every) morning and in the afternoon (for the congregational prayer) an honorable place in Paradise with good hospitality for (what he has done) every morning and afternoon going. -------- Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith - Hadith 1.619 Narrated by Abu Said Al Khudri The Prophet said, "The prayer in congregation is twenty five times superior to the prayer offered by person alone." ------ Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith - Hadith 1.620 Narrated by Abu Huraira Allah's Apostle said, "The reward of the prayer offered by a person in congregation is twenty five times greater than that of the prayer offered in one's house or in the market (alone). 

And this is because if he performs ablution and does it perfectly and then proceeds to the mosque with the sole intention of praying, then for every step he takes towards the mosque, he is upgraded one degree in reward and his one sin is taken off (crossed out) from his accounts (of deeds). When he offers his prayer, the angels keep on asking Allah's blessings and Allah's forgiveness for him as long as he is (staying) at his Musalla. They say, 'O Allah! Bestow Your blessings upon him, be Merciful and kind to him.' And one is regarded in prayer as long as one is waiting for the prayer."

Duties in regards to marriage

"Because the Qur'an and the Sunnah of the Prophet have commanded kindness to women, it is the husband's duty to consort with his wife in an equitable and kind manner."¹  This means that he is responsible for her maintenance, and that of any children,  he cannot abuse nor keep her in suspense or uncertainty.  If he feels that he cannot fulfill his obligations to her then he must let her go in peace and justice.  He should not force her to seek Khul (divorce by the wife) just to get a return of the Mahr (dowry), for in this case, she would be entitled to keep it. (I will develop this subject in another subject related to Divorce).

The Woman as Human Being and Equal to Man

Islam was revealed at a time when a lot of people denied the humanity of the woman; some were skeptical about it; and still others admitted it, yet considered the woman a thing created for the humble service of the man.

With the advent of Islam, circumstances improved for the woman. The woman's dignity and humanity were restored. Islam confirmed her capacity to carry out Allah's commands, her responsibilities and observation of the commands that lead to heaven.

Islam considered the woman as a worthy human being, with a share in humanity equal to that of the man. Their single origin, their general human traits, their responsibility for the observation of religious duties with the consequent reward or punishment, and the unity of their destiny all bear witness to their equality from the Islamic point of view. This fact is established in the Noble Qur'an.

" O mankind! Be dutiful to your Lord, Who created you from a single person (Adam) and from him (Adam) He created his wife (Eve), and from them both He created many men and women and fear Allah through Whom you demand your mutual (rights), and (do not cut the relations of) the wombs (kinship). Surely, Allah is Ever an All-Watcher over you." The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 4, Verse 1

As is stated in another verse:

" It is He Who has created you from a single person (Adam), and (then) He has created from him his wife (Eve), in order that he might enjoy the pleasure of living with her." The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 7,Verse 189

The Qur'an, on its part, treats this issue of equality among men and women from more than one perspective.

On the purely religious level

"Verily, the Muslims (those who submit to Allah in Islam) men and women,the believers men and women (who believe in Islamic Monotheism),the men and the women who are obedient (to Allah), the men and women who are truthful (in their speech and deeds), the men and the women who are patient (in performing all the duties which Allah has ordered and in abstaining from all that Allah has forbidden), the men and the women who are humble (before their Lord Allah),the men and the women who give Sadaqat, (i.e. Zakat, and alms, etc.),the men and the women who fast (the obligatory fasting during the month of Ramadan and the optional Nawafil fasting),the men and women who guard their chastity (from illegal sexual acts) and the men and women who remember Allah much with their hearts and tongues (while sitting, standing, lying, etc.) Allah has prepared for them forgiveness and a great reward (i.e. Paradise)." The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 33, Verse 35

On the basic social and religious responsibilities

The Qur'an establishes equality by maintaining

"The believers, men and women, are "Awliy," (helpers, supporters, friends, protectors) of one another, they enjoin (on the people) Al-Ma`ruf (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do);and forbid (people) from Al-Munkar (i.e. polytheism and disbelief of all kinds, and all that Islam has forbidden); they offer their prayers perfectly (lqamat-as-Salat), and give the Zakat and obey Allah and His Messenger. Allah will have mercy on them." The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 9, Verse 71

In Adam's story, Divine Orders were made to him and his wife, both and equally:

"O Adam! Dwell you and your wife in the Paradise and eat both of you freely with pleasure and delight of things therein as wherever you will, but come not near this tree or you both will be of the Zalim'n (wrongdoers)." The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 2, Verse 35

What is new, however, about this story as given by the Qur'an is that the temptation is blamed not on Eve but on Satan.

"Then the Satan made them slip there from (the Paradise), and got them out from that in which they were." The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 236

The reverse of The Old Testament versions. Thus Eve was neither the sole eater from the tree, nor the one who initiated the act. Rather, the mistake was theirs both, and both of them repented and asked for forgiveness:

"They said, "Our Lord! We have wronged ourselves. If You forgive us not, and bestow not upon us Your Mercy, we shall be losers." The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 7, Verse 23

Further still, some verses ascribe the trespass to Adam:

"And indeed We made a covenant with Adam before, but he forgot, and We found on his part no firm will-power". Then Satan whispered to him saying, "O Adam! Shall I lead you to the Tree of Eternity and to a kingdom that will never waste away?" Thus did Adam disobey his Lord, so he went astray." The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 20, Verse 115, 120 and 121

Equality of punishment and reward and eligibility for Paradise

The Almighty says: "That was a nation who has passed away. They shall receive the reward of what they earned and you of what you earn. And you will not be asked of what they used to do." The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 2, Verse 134 and 141.

Concerning the equality of men and women in receiving rewards and the entry of paradise, God says:

"So their Lord accepted of them (their supplication and answered them), "Never will I allow to be lost the work of any of you, be he male or female." The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 3, Verse 195

"And Whoever works righteousness, whether male or female, while he (or she) is a true believer (of Islamic Monotheism) verily, to him We will give a good life (in this world with respect, contentment and lawful provision), and We shall pay them certainly a reward in proportion to the best of what they used to do (i.e. Paradise in the Hereafter)." The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 16, Verse 97

Financial matters

The rule of Islam abolished the conventions prevalent among many nations which deprived the woman of the right of ownership, inheritance, and those which created obstacles against her exercise of free and full control of her holdings. As a rule, Islam acknowledges the woman's rights to all kinds of ownership, spending and channeling of her money. It gives her the rights of inheritance, selling, buying, renting, donating, lending, allocating property for religious and charitable purposes, giving alms, legal transfer and mortgage, as well as many other forms of contracts and actions.

Right to seek education

The woman's right to seek education or learning is basic and is also guaranteed by Islamic teachings. Islam actually makes it incumbent on the woman to seek knowledge; the Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) says, `seeking knowledge is incumbent on every Muslim," where "every Muslim" obviously involves men and women on an equal footing as a rule formalised by all authorities of jurisprudence.

Right to perform religious ordinances

The woman is also required to perform religious ordinances and forms of worship the way the man is. Praying, fasting, Zakat (the alms sanctifying tax), pilgrimage and all the other fundamental practices in Islam are required of Muslims in their capacity, both men and women, as responsible humans. Again the woman's actions are recompensed by Allah the way the man's actions are.

Social activity

The woman is not excluded from the area of social activity; Allah says:

"The believers, men and women, are "Awliy," (helpers, supporters, friends, protectors) of one another, they enjoin (on the people) Al-Ma`ruf (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do); and forbid (people) from Al-Munkar (i.e. polytheism and disbelief of all kinds, and all that Islam has forbidden)." The Holy Qur�an, Chapter 9, Verse 71.

For instance, she can give refuge for those who seek it. If she hosts a refugee, her action is to be respected and observed. This rule relates back to Um Hanibint Abi Talib's giving relief to a father in-law on the day of the Conquest of Mecca by Muslims. When her brother wanted to kill him because he was an infidel, she complained to Allah's Messenger (blessings and peace be upon him) saying, "Allah's Messenger, my mother's son insists on killing my refugee, Ibn Hubayra. "The Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) replied, "We confer asylum on him that you give refuge to, Um Hani". [Mutafaq aley (agreed upon) on the authority of Um Hani, The Pearl and the Coral (Al-Lu'lu' wal-Marjan) (193)]

Excerpted from the article "The Status of Women in Islam" by Sh. Yusuf Al-Qaradawi

Women in Islam

Islam was revealed at a time when a lot of people denied the humanity of the woman; some were skeptical about it; and still others admitted it, yet considered the woman a thing created for the humble service of the man.

With the advent of Islam, circumstances improved for the woman. The woman's dignity and humanity were restored. Islam confirmed her capacity to carry out Allah's commands, her responsibilities and observation of the commands that lead to heaven. 

Status of Women in Islam

"Why is it that so many women who have been born and brought in Europe and America are willing to reject their 'liberty' and 'independence' to embrace a religion that supposedly oppresses them and is widely assumed to be prejudicial to them?" This is a question that I found on one of the sites while surfing around, and I found it an interesting question and which I'd like to draw this article around.

Can Islam be prejudiced to women, and yet appeal to women? Can Islam lower the status of a woman and still have more women embracing it as their way of life than men? According to an article written by Lucy Berrington in the Times Magazine (London) dated 9th Nov. 1993: "It is even more ironic that most British converts should be women, given the widespread view in the west that Islam treats women poorly. In the United States, women converts outnumber men by four to one, and in Britain make up the bulk of the estimated 10, 000 to 20, 000 converts, forming part of a Muslim community of 1 to 1.5 million "

How can the case of those women be explained?! Well, I could say that there are only one of two choices that one can decide upon. Either all those women who choose Islam don't know what they are doing or that they discovered Islam is not prejudice to them as others have yet to discover. New convert to Islam since September 11, US Navy petty officer, Heather Ramaha. "Islam gives us Elevation; not Degradation"

In the Noble Quran Allah (Arabic word for God) says:

"Mankind! We have created you from a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know one another. Verily, the most honorable of you in the Sight of Allah is the believer who has Taqwa (i.e. piety and righteousness)and loves Allah most. Verily, Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware." The Holy Qur'an(49:13)

"I shall not lose sight of the labor of any of you who labors in My way, be it man or woman; each of you is equal to the other. The Holy Qur'an(3:195)"

On the light of those verses, Islam declares that it has not come to disadvantage women, but in fact has been revealed to elevate women ever since 1400 years ago, when women in many parts of the world and especially in the western societies were considered objects that are owned and with little to no rights in the society they live in.

Before any other religion or system in the world Islam gave a woman the right to inherit, the right to vote and voice her opinion, the right to trade invest and improve herself financially, the right to own - buy and sell, the right to seek knowledge and have a good education, the right to work and has even gone further to oblige the males in every stage of her life, whether it was a father, brother or husband ... It's their duty before God to take care of her, to spend on her, to provide her with the food , clothing and shelter that she needs, to provide her with a good education, to protect her from anything that can harm her and to never hesitate to put their lives in stake for her if the need calls them to do so. 

"As a modern westerner with a career, of course I had to look into Islam's attitude to women - I couldn't be oppressed all of a sudden. But I discovered that it is pro-women and pro-men; in Islam, women had the right to vote in the year 600. Men dress modestly, women dress modestly; neither should flirt with the eyes, but rather they should lower their gaze. I think it's unhealthy to flaunt your sexuality - it attracts the wrong energy back." (MTV Presenter Kristiane Backer after being a Muslim) "Since I called myself a feminist, my early reading centered around women in Islam. I thought Islam oppressed women. In my Women's Studies courses I had read about Muslim women who were not allowed to leave their homes and were forced to cover their heads. Of course I saw hijab as an oppressive tool imposed by men rather than as an expression of self-respect and dignity. What I discovered in my readings surprised me. Islam not only does not oppress women, but actually liberates them, having given them rights in the 6th century that we have only gained in this century in this country: the right to own property and wealth and to maintain that in her name after marriage; the right to vote; and the right to divorce." (Karima Slack, an American feminist from secular humanism to Islam)

Some Muslim societies today lack those values. Some people may rightly ask then, why do we see some Muslim societies lacking those values? There is a beautiful and very true example I heard from a lecture by an American Muslim called Khaled Yaseen, who said that every person can be a father; but if a father does not turn out to be a good father then it's not fatherhood that we would blame. Similarly, Islam is a rule and order. A Muslim who does not act according to that rule and order then by all means its not Islam that should carry the blame.

Karla, a young Blonde haired Blue eyed young American from Washington DC who is a recent convert to Islam said in an interview made with her: The main question people seem to ask, is "How could you, an educated American woman convert to Islam--a religion that oppresses women?" They are quick to try and equate the rights of women in Afghanistan with the rights of Muslim women everywhere. Basically, what I tell them, is that the Qur'an gives women more rights than the Bible does--in print. That was one of the things that first drew me to Islam. Unfortunately today, Islam is no longer the leader in women's rights. I had a choice--deny what I believe (i.e. that There is only one God, and that Muhammed is a Prophet of God)...or accept what I believe, but work to change the problems that exist within the Muslim community. I chose the latter.

In the world today, one could say that the Taliban government in Afghanistan have been considered as the top example of Women Oppression in Islam. But what's ironic is that even when a woman falls captive in the hands of those supposedly most hateful men in the world, Islam does not fail to win her heart.

Yvonne Ridley is an award-winning journalist of more than 25 years standing and author of two books, In The Hands of the Taliban and Ticket to Paradise. She has spent the last 10 years working for several prestigious Fleet Street newspapers including The Sunday Times, The Observer, The Independent on Sunday and The Sunday Express. She has also expanded into television and radio producing several documentaries from Iraq and Afghanistan. Yvonne hit the headlines in September 2001 when while working for the Daily Express she crossed illegally into Afghanistan and was subsequently held captive by the Taliban for 11 days. Following her release, she read the Qur'an as she had agreed to during her captivity, and converted to Islam in the summer of 2003.

Last but not least I would like to conclude by the blessed sayings of Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him:
"It is the generous (in character) who is good to women, and it is the wicked who insults them."
"The most perfect believers are the best in conduct and best of you are those who are best to their wives."
"Treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and committed helpers."
 

Name meanings and history: Boys names

 

A

Aban - Old Arabic name
Abbas - Description of a lion
Abbud - Worshipper
Abbudin - Worshippers
Abdul, Abdel - Servant (of Allah)
Abdul-Alim - Servant of the Omniscient
Abdul-Aliyy - Servant of the Most High
Abdul-Azim - Servant of the Mighty
Abdul-Aziz - Servant of the Powerful One
Abdul-Bari - Servant of the Creator
Abdul-Basit - Servant of the Extender
Abdul-Fattah - Servant of the Opener (of the gates of sustenance)
Abdul-Ghaffar, Abdul-Ghafur - Servant of the Forgiver
Abdul-Hadi - Servant of the Guide
Abdul-Hafiz - Servant of the Protector
Abdul-Hakam - Servant of the Arbitrator
Abdul-Hakim - Servant of the Wise One
Abdul-Halim - Servant of the Mild, Patient One
Abdul-Hamid - Servant of the Praised One
Abdul-Haqq - Servant of the Truth
Abdul-Hasib - Servant of the Respected, Esteemed
Abdul-Jabbar - Servant of the Mighty
Abdul-Jalil - Servant of the Great, Revered One
Abdul-Karim - Servant of the Noble, Generous One
Abdul-Khaliq - Servant of the Creator
Abdul-Latif - Servant of the Kind One
Abdul-Malik - Servant of the Master (or King)
Abdul-Majid - Servant of the Glorious One
Abdul-Matin - Servant of the Firm, Strong
Abdul-Muhaimin - Servant of the Supervising, the Guardian, the Protector
Abdul-Mu'izz - Servant of the Giver of Might and Glory
Abdul-Mujib - Servant of the Responder
Abdul-Muta'al - Servant of the Most High
Abdul-Nasser - Servant of the Victorious One
Abdul-Nasir - Servant of the Helper, Protector
Abdul-Qadir - Servant of the Capable, Powerful
Abdul-Qahhar - Servant of the Subduer, the Almighty
Abdul-Quddus - Servant of the Most Holy
Abdul-Rafi - Servant of the One Who Raises, Elevates (intellect, esteem)
Abdul-Rahim - Servant of the Most Compassionate One
Abdul-Rahman - Servant of the Merciful One
Abdul-Rashid - Servant of the Rightly Guided One
Abdul-Ra'uf - Servant of the Most Merciful
Abdul-Razzaq - Servant of the Maintainer, the Provider
Abdul-Sabur - Servant of the Patient
Abdul-Salam - Servant of the Peace
Abdul-Samad - Servant of the Eternal
Abdul-Sami - Servant of the All-Hearing
Abdul-Shakur - Servant of the Most Thankful
Abdul-Tawwab - Servant of the Forgiver
Abdul-Wadud - Servant of the Loving
Abdul-Wahhab - Servant of the Giver
Abdul-Wahid - Servant of the One
Abdullah - Servant of God
Abu Bakr - Name of one of Muhammad's companions
Abu al Khayr - One who does good
Adel - Just
Adham - Black
Adnan - Proper name
Afif, Afeef - Chaste, modest
Ahmad, Ahmed - Most highly adored, or most praised; variation of the name "Muhammad"
Akil - Intelligent, thoughtful, one who uses reason
Akram - Most generous
Ala' - Nobility
Aladdin, Ala' al din - Nobility of faith
Ali, Aliyy - The highest, greatest, excellent, noble
Alim - Wise or learned
Altair - The flying eagle; also refers to a first magnitude star in the constellation Lyra
Amid - General
Amin, Ameen - Faithful, trustworthy
Amir, Ameer - Prince
Amjad - More glorious
Ammar - Builder, constructor
Amr - Old Arabic name
Anis - Close friend
Anwar - Light
Arfan - Gratitude
Arif - Corporal; aquainted, knowledgable
Asad - Lion
Asadel - Most prosperous one
Ashraf - Most honorable
Asif - Forgiveness
Asim - Protector, defender
Aswad - Black
Ata - Gift
Atif - Compassionate, sympathetic
Awad - Reward, compensation
Ayman - Lucky; on the right
Ayyub, Ayoob - A Prophet's name
Aza - Comfort
Azhar - Most shining, luminous
Azeem, Azim - Defender, referring to one of God's ninety-nine qualities
Azzam - Determined, resolved

B

Badr - Full moon
Badr al Din - Full moon of the faith
Baha - Beautiful, magnificent
Baha al Din, Bahiyy al Din - Magnificence of the faith
Bahir - Dazzling, brilliant
Barakah - Blessing
Bashshar - Bringer of glad tidings
Basil - Brave
Bassam, Basim - Smiling
Bilal - Name of the Prophet's Muezzin
Bishr - Joy
Burhan - Proof

D

Dabir - Secretary
Da'ud, Dawud - Arabic form of "David", beloved; a Prophet's name
Dhul Fiqar - Name of the Prophet's sword
Diya al Din - Brightness of the faith

E

Emir - To command
Esam, Essam - Safeguard

F

Fadi - Redeemer
Fadil - Generous, honorable
Fahd, Fahad - Lynx
Faisal, Faysal - Decisive
Fakhir - Proud, excellent
Fakhiri, Fakhry - Honorary
Fakih - Legal expert; one who recites the Qu'ran
Farid, Fareed - Unique
Fariq, Fareeq - Lieutenant General
Faris - Horseman, knight
Faruq, Farooq - One who distinguishes truth from falsehood
Fath - Victory
Fatin, Fateen - Clever, smart
Fawwaz - Successful
Ferran - Baker
Fida - Redemption, sacrifice
Firas - Perspicacity
Fouad - Heart
Fudail - Excellent in character

G

Gamal, Gamali - Camel
Ghalib - Victor
Ghassan - Old Arabic name
Ghazi - Conqueror
Ghiyath - Succorer

H

Habib - Beloved
Hadi - Guiding to the right
Hakeem, Hakim - Wise, one of God's ninety-nine qualities
Hakem - Ruler, governor
Halim - Mild, gentle, patient
Hamal - Lamb
Hamdan - The praised one; variation of the name "Muhammad"
Hamid - The praised one; variation of the name "Muhammad"
Hamzah - Lion
Hanbal - Purity
Hani - Happy, delighted, content
Hanif - True believer
Harith - Ploughman, cultivator
Haroun, Harun - Arabic form of "Aaron"; lofty or exalted; A Prophet's name
Hashim - Broker, destroyer of evil; Hashim was a descendent of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)
Hassan - Beautiful, handsome
Hatim - Judge
Haytham - Young hawk
Hilal - Moon
Hilel - The new moon
Hisham - Generosity
Hud, Houd - A Prophet's name
Hudhayfah - Old Arabic name
Humam - Courageous, generous
Husain, Hussein - Little beauty; Hussein was a descendent of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)
Husam - Sword
Husam al Din - Sword of the faith
Husayn - Beautiful

I

Ibrahim - Father of a multitude; a Prophet's name (Abraham)
Idris - A Prophet's name
Ihsan - Beneficence
Imad - Support, pillar
Imad al Din - Pillar of the faith
Imran - A Prophet's name
Irfan - Thankfulness
Isa, Eisa - A Prophet's name (Jesus)
Isam, Issam - Safeguard
Ishaq - A Prophet's name
Isma'il - A Prophet's name
Izz al Din - Might of the faith

J

Jabbar - Mighty
Jabir - Consoler, Comforter
Jafar - Rivulet
Jalal - Glory of the faith
Jalil, Jaleel - Great, revered
Jamal - Beauty
Jamal al Din - Beauty of the faith
Jamil, Jameel - Beautiful
Jawad - Open-handed, generous
Jawhar - Jewel, essence
Jibril - Archangel of Allah (Gabriel)
Jihad - Struggle, holy war
Jumah - Born on Friday

K

Kadar, Kedar - Powerful
Kadeen, Kadin - Friend, companion, confidant
Kadeer, Kadir - Green or green crop (connoting freshness and innocence)
Kahil - Friend, lover
Kaliq - Creative, refers to a quality of God
Kamal - Beauty, perfection
Kamil, Kameel - Perfect; one of the ninety-nine qualities of God
Kardal - Mustard seed
Karif, Kareef - Born in Autumn
Karim, Kareem - Generous, noble, friendly, precious and distinguished
Kasib, Kaseeb - Fertile
Kaseem, Kasim - Divided
Kateb - Writer
Khaldun, Khaldoon - Old Arabic name
Khalid, Khaled - Eternal
Khalil, Khaleel, Kalil - Beautiful, good friend
Khatib - Religious Minister
Khair al Din - The good of the faith
Khairy, Khayri - Charitable, beneficent
Khuzaymah - Old Arabic name

L

Labib, Labeeb - Sensible, intelligent
Latif - Gentle, kind, pleasant, friendly
Luqman - Name of a wise man in Islamic history.
Lutfi - Kind and friendly

M

Mahdi - Guided to the right path
Mahir - Skilled
Mahmud, Mahmoud - The praised one; variation of the name "Muhammad"
Maimun - Lucky
Majdy - Glorious
Majid al Din - Glory of the Faith
Majid, Majd - Glorious
Makin - Strong, firm
Malik - Master, angel, king
Mamdouh - One who is commended, praised, glorified
Ma'mun - Trustworthy
Ma'n - Benefit
Mansur - Divinely aided
Marid - Rebellious
Marzuq - Blessed by God, fortunate
Mash'al - Torch
Mas'ud - Fortunate, happy, lucky
Mazin - Proper name
Misbah - Lamp
Mohammed - Praised; from "Muhammad", name of the Prophet (pbuh)
Mu'adh - Protected
Mu'awiyah - Young fox (first Umayyad Kalifah)
Mu'ayyad - Supported
Mubarak - Happy, blessed
Mufid, Mufeed - Useful
Muhammad - Praised; the name of the Prophet (pbuh)
Muhanned - Sword
Muhsin - Beneficient, charitable
Muhtadi - Rightly guided
Mujahid - Fighter (in the way of Allah)
Mukhtar - Chosen
Mundhir - Warner, cautioner
Munir, Muneer - Brilliant, shining
Muntasir - Victorious
Murtadi, Murtadhy - Satisfied, content
Musa, Moosa - A Prophet's name (Moses)
Mus'ad - Unfettered camel
Muslim - Submitting oneself to God
Mustafa - Chosen one
Muta - Obeyed
Mu'tasim - Adhering (to faith, to God)
Mu'tazz - Proud, mighty
Muti - Obedient
Muwaffaq - Successful

N

Nabhan, Nabih - Noble, outstanding
Nabil, Nabeel - Noble
Nadhir - Warner
Nadim, Nadeem - Friend
Nadir - Dear, rare
Naif Na'il - Aquirer, earner
Naim - Comfort, ease, tranquility
Naji - Safe
Najib, Najeeb - Of noble descent
Najjar - Carpenter
Najm al Din - Star of the faith
Nasih - Advisor
Nasim - Fresh air
Nasir, Nasser - Protector
Nasir al Din - Protector of the faith
Nasser - Victorious
Nawfal - Generous, old Arabic name for the Sea
Nazih, Nazeeh - Pure, chaste
Nazim, Nazeem - Arranger, adjuster
Nuh, Nooh - A Prophet's name
Numair - Panther
Nu'man - Blood
Nur al Din - Brightness of the faith
Nuri, Noori - Shining, brightness

O

Omar - Long life, first son, most high, the Prophet's follower
Omran - Solid structure

Q

Qasim - Divider, distributor
Qays - Firm
Qudamah - Courage
Qutaybah, Qutaiba - Irritable, impatient

R

Rabah - Gainer
Rabi - Spring, breeze
Rafi - Exalting
Rafiq - Kind, friend
Raghib, Ragheb - Desirous
Rahman - Compassionate, merciful; referring to qualities of God listed in the Qu'ran
Ra'id - Leader
Rais - Captain
Rakin - Respectful
Rashad - Integrity of conduct
Rashid - One of good council; rightly guided, having true faith
Ratib - Arranger
Rayhan - favored by God
Reda, Rida, Ridha - (In God's) favor; contentment, satisfaction
Ridwan - Acceptance, good will; name of the keeper of the gates of Heaven
Riyad, Riyadh - Gardens

S

Sabih, Sabeeh - Beautiful
Sabir, Sabeer - Patient
Saad - Good luck
Sadaqat - Charity
Sa'eed, Sa'id - Happy
Safiy - Best friend
Safwan - Rocks
Sahir - Wakeful
Sajid - One who worships God
Salah - Righteousness
Salah al Din - Righteousness of the Faith
Saleh, Salih - Good, right
Salim, Saleem - Safe, whole, flawless
Salman - Safe
Sameh - Forgiver
Sami - High, lofty, exalted
Samir, Sameer - Entertaining companion
Samman - Grocer
Saqr - Falcon
Sariyah - Clouds at night
Saud - Fortunate
Sayyid - Master
Seif, Sayf - Sword (of religion)
Seif al Din - Sword of the faith
Shadi - Singer
Shafiq, Shafeeq - Compassionate, tender
Shakir - Thankful
Sharif, Shareef - Honest, noble, distinguished
Shihab - Flame, blaze
Siraj - Lamp, light
Sofian - Devoted
Subhi - Early morning
Suhail, Suhayl - Gentle, easy; the name of a star
Suhayb - Of reddish hair or complexion
Sulaiman, Sulayman - A Prophet's name (Solomon)
Su'ud, Suoud - Good luck

T

Tahir - Pure, clean
Talal - Nice, admirable
Talib - Seeker (of truth)
Tamir - One who owns date palm trees
Tamam - Generous
Tarif, Tareef - Rare, uncommon
Tariq - Name of a star
Tawfiq - Success, reconciliation
Taymullah - Servant of God
Taysir - Facilitation
Tayyib - Good or delicate
Thabit - Firm
Thaqib - Shooting Star

U

Ubadah, Ubaida, Ubaydah - Servant of God
Ubaid - Faithful
Ubayy - Old Arabic name
Umar - Name of the second Khalifa
Umarah - Old Arabic name
Umayr, Umair - Old Arabic name
Usama, Usamah - Description of a lion
Utbah - Old Arabic name
Uthman - One of the companions of the Prophet (pbuh)

W

Wadi - Calm, peaceful
Wafiq, Wafeeq - Successful
Wahid - Singular, exclusive, unequalled
Wa'il - Coming back (for Shelter)
Wajih, Wajeeh - Noble
Wakil - Lawyer
Waleed, Walid - Newborn child
Walliyullah - Supporter of God
Wasim, Waseem - Graceful, good looking
Wazir - Minister

Y

Yahyah - A Prophet's name
Yaman - Proper name
Ya'qub - Arabic form of "Jacob"
Yasar, Yasser - Wealth, ease
Yasin, Yaseen - One of Muhammad's names
Yasir - Wealthy
Yazid, Yazeed - God will increase
Youssef, Yusef, Yusuf - Arabic form of "Joseph"; to increase (in power and influence); a Prophet's name
Yunus, Yoonus - A Prophet's name
Yushua - God saves
Yusuf - A Prophet's name (Joseph)

Z

Zafir - Victorious
Zahid - Self-denying or ascetic
Zahir - Bright, shining
Zaid, Zayd - Increase, growth
Zaim - Brigadier General
Zakariyya - A Prophet's name
Zaki - Intelligent
Zakiy - Pure
Ziyad - Super abundance
Zuhair, Zuhayr - Bright

Name Meanings and History - Girls Name

One of the things that all people and places have in common is (NAMES). Have you ever asked yourself, "What does my name mean?". Most people have some idea of their name meaning or where their name came from.

I started this article a few weeks ago, thinking that Insh Allah I will need it soon! Well, as usual, me and my beloved one we are searching from now and discuss about the names that we wish our children to have (it is a early to do this, but we better be ready :)))) ). Somehow, I am sure that when the real time of picking the names will come, we will still have discussions and different opinions :)))))))))))))))))).

In any case, here are some beautiful names that I found, for boys and girls! Since I wish so much a girl, I will start with girl names. Now don't say I am feminist (even that I admit so :D and sure I will hear some grumpy voices here)... common guys... I WILL PUT ALSO BOY NAMES!

I will write the names in alphabetical order so that we find it easily.

A

Abia - Great
Abida - Worshipper
Abir, Abeer - Fragrance
Ablah, Abla' - Perfectly formed
Abra - Example, lesson
A'dab - Hope and need
Adara - Virgin
Adiba - Cultured, polite
Adila, Adilah, Adeela - Equal
Adiva - Pleasant, gentle
Afaf - Chaste, virtuous, decent, pure
Afifah - Chaste
Afra' - White
Ahd - Pledge, knowledge
Ahlam - Witty; one who has pleasant dreams; imaginative
A'idah, Aida - Visiting, returning; reward
Ain - Eye, thus "precious"
Aini - Spring, flower, source, choice
A'ishah, Aisha, Ayishah - Living, prosperous, youngest wife of the Prophet (pbuh)
Akilah - Intelligent, logical, one who reasons
Alhena - A ring; (A star in the constellation Gemini)
Alima - Wise
Alimah - Skilled in music or dance
Aliyyah, Aliah, A'lia - Exaulted, noble, highest social standing
Almas - Diamond
Aludra - Virgin
Alzubra - (A star in the constellation Leo)
Amal, A'mal, Amala - Hopes, aspirations
Amani - Wishes, aspirations
Amatullah - Female servant of Allah
Amber - Jewel
Aminah, Ameena - Trustworthy, faithful
Amineh - Faithful
Amirah, Ameera - Princess, leader
Amtullah - Female servant of Allah
Anan - Clouds
Anbar - Perfume, ambergris
Anisah - Close, intimate, good friend
Anwar - Rays of light
Ara - Opinions
Areebah - Witty, smart
Arub - Loving to her husband
Asima - Protector
Asiya - One who tends to the weak, one who heals
Asma' - Excellent, precious; daughter of Abu Bakr
Atifa - Affection, sympathy
Atiya - Gift
Ayah - Sign; distinct
Azhar - Flowers, blossoms
Azizah, Azeeza - Esteemed, precious, cherished
Azzah - Young, female gazelle

B

Badi'a - Unprecedented, admirable, unique
Badra - Full moon
Badriyyah - Resembling the full moon
Bahira, Baheera - Dazzling, brilliant
Bahiya - Beautiful, radiant
Balqis - Name of the Queen of Sheba
Banan - Delicate, finger tips
Baraka - White one
Bari'ah - Excelling
Barika - Bloom, be successful
Bashirah, Basheera - Bringer of good tidings, joy
Basimah, Baseema - Smiling
Basmah - A smile
Batul, Batool - Ascetic virgin
Bilqis - Queen of Sheeba
Bushra - Good Omen
Buthaynah, Buthayna - Of beautiful and tender body

C

Cala - Castle
Cantara - Small bridge

D

Dahab - Gold
Dalal - Treated or touched in a kind and loving way
Duha, Dhuha - Forenoon

F

Fadilah, Fadheela - Virtuous, outstanding, superior, cultured and refined
Fadwa - Name derived from self-sacrifice
Faizah - Victorious, winner
Falak - Star
Farah - Joy
Faridah, Fareeda - Unique, matchless, precious pearl or gem
Farihah, Fareeha - Happy, joyful, cheerful, glad
Fatimah, Fatima - Accustom; Daughter of the Prophet (pbuh)
Fatin or Fatinah - Captivating, alluring, enchanting
Fawziyyah, Fawziya, Fazia - Successful, victorious
Fellah - Arabian jasmine
Firyal - Name
Firdaws, Firdoos - Highest garden in Paradise

G

Ghadah - Beautiful
Ghaliyah - Fragrant
Ghaniyah - Pretty girl, beautiful woman, beauty
Ghayda - Young and delicate
Ghusun, Ghusoon - Branches of a tree

H

Habibah - Beloved, sweetheart, darling
Hadiya - Guide to righteousness
Hadiyyah - A gift
Hafsah - Wife of the Prophet (pbuh)
Hafthah - Preserved, protected
Haifa, Hayfa' - Slender, of beautiful body
Halah - Aureole
Halimah, Haleema - Gentle, patient, mild-tempered
Hamidah, Hameeda - Praiseworthy
Hana' - Happiness
Hanan - Mercy
Hanifah, Hanifa, Haneefa - True believer
Haniyyah - Pleased, happy
Hasna' - Beautiful
Hayam - Deliriously in love
Hayat - Life
Hessa - Destiny
Hibah - Gift
Hind - Proper name
Huda, Hooda - Right guidance
Huma - Bird who brings joy
Huriyyah, Hooriya - Angel
Husn - Beauty
Husniyah - Beautiful

I

Ibtihaj - Joy
Ikram - Honor, hospitality, generosity
Ilham - Intuition
Iman - Faith, belief
Imtithal - Polite obedience
In'am - Kindness, benefaction, bestowal
Inas - Sociability
Inaya - Concern; solicitude
Intisar - Triumph
Izdihar - Flourishing, blooming

J

Jala' - Clarity, elucidation
Jamilah, Jameela - Beautiful, graceful, lovely
Janan - Heart, soul
Johara - Jewel
Jumanah - Silver pearl

K

Kalila - Sweetheart, beloved
Kamilah - Perfect
Karida - Untouched
Karimah, Kareema - Generous, noble
Kawthar - River in Paradise
Khadijah, Khadeeja - First wife of the Prophet (pbuh)
Khalidah - Immortal
Khayriyyah, Khairiya - Charitable, good
Khulud, Khulood - Immortality
Kulthum, Kulthoom - Daughter of the Prophet (pbuh)

L

Lama - Darkness of lips
Lamis, Lamees - Soft to the touch
Lamya' - Of dark lips
Latifah, Lateefa - Gentle, kind, pleasant, friendly
Layla, Leila - (Born at) night
Lina, Leena - Tender
Lubabah - The innermost essence
Luloah - A pearl
Lu'lu' - Pearls

M

Madihah, Madeeha - Praiseworthy
Maha - Wild cow, cow-eyes
Ma'isah - Walking with a proud, swinging gait
Maizah - Discerning
Majidah, Majeeda - Glorious
Makarim - Of good and honorable character
Malak - Angel
Malika - Queen
Manal - Attainment, achievement
Manar - Guiding light
Maram - Asperation
Mariam, Maryam - Mother of Jesus (pbuh); Arabic form of "Mary"
Mas'ouda - Happy, lucky, fortunate
Mawiyah - The essence of life
Maymunah - Auspicious, blessed
May - Old Arabic name
Maysa' - To walk with a proud, swinging gait
Maysun, Maysoon - Of beautiful face and body
Mayyadah - To walk with a proud, swinging gait
Mufidah, Mufeeda - Useful
Muhjah - Heart's blood, soul
Muminah - Pious believer
Muna, Mona - Wish, desire
Munirah, Muneera - Illuminating, shedding light
Mushirah, Musheera - Giving counsel, advising
Muslimah - Devout believer

N

Nabihah, Nabeeha - Intelligent
Nabilah, Nabeela - Noble
Nada - Generousity, dew
Nadia - The beginning, first
Nadidah, Nadeeda - Equal, rival
Nadirah - Rare, precious
Nadwah - Councel
Nafisah, Nafeesa - Precious thing, gem
Nahlah - A drink of water
Na'ilah - Acquirer, obtainer, one who succeeds
Na'ima, Na'imah - Comfort, amenity, tranquility, peace
Najah - Success
Najat - Safety
Najibah, Najeeba - Of noble birth
Najiyah - Safe
Najla - Of wide eyes
Najwa - Confidential talk, secret conversation
Najya - Victorious
Nashida - Student
Nashita Energetic, full of life
Nashwa - Fragrance, perfume, that which intoxicates
Nasiha - One who gives valuable advice
Nasira - Victorious, helper
Nathifa - Clean, pure
Nawal - Gift
Nawar - Flower
Nazahah - Purity, righteousness, honesty
Nazihah - Honest
Nazirah - Like, equal, matching
Nibal - Arrows
Nida - Call
Ni'mah - Blessing, loan
Ni'mat - Blessings, loans
Nouf - Highest point on a mountain
Nudar, Nudhar - Gold
Nuha - Intelligence
Numa - Beautiful and pleasant
Nur, Noor - Light

Q

Qubilah - Concord

R

Rabab - White cloud
Rabi'ah - Garden, springtime
Radeyah, Radhiya - Content, satisfied
Radwa, Radhwa - A mountain in Medina
Rafa' - Happiness, prosperity
Raghd - Pleasant
Rahimah - Merciful, compassionate
Ra'idah - Leader
Raja' - Hopeful
Rana - To gaze, look
Rand - Tree of good scent
Raniyah - Gazing
Rasha - Young gazelle
Rashida, Rasheeda - Wise, mature
Rawdah, Rawdha - Garden
Rawiyah - Transmitter of ancient Arabic poetry
Rayya - Sated with drink
Rida - Favored by God
Rihana - Sweet basil
Rim, Reem - Gazelle
Rima, Reema - White antelope
Rukan - Steady, confident
Ruqayyah, Ruqaya - Gentle; Daughter of the Prophet (pbuh)
Ruwaydah - Walking gently

S

Sabah - Morning
Sabirah - Patient
Safa - Clarity, purity, serenity
Safiyyah - Untroubled, serene, pure, best friend
Sahar - Dawn
Sahlah - Smooth, soft, fluent, flowing
Saidah - Happy, fortunate
Saihah - Good, useful
Sakinah, Sakeena - God-inspired peace of mind, tranquility
Salihah - Correct, agreeable
Salimah, Saleema - Peace, flawless, faultless, safe, healthy
Salma - Peaceful
Salwa - Solace; quail
Samah - Generosity
Samar - Evening conversation
Sameh - Forgiver
Samihah, Sameeha - Generous
Samira, Sameera - Entertaining female companion
Samiyah - Elevated, exhalted, lofty
Sana' - Resplendence, brilliance; to gaze or look
Sawsan - Lily of the valley
Shadha - Aromatic
Shadiyah - Singer
Shahrazad - Teller of "Tales of 1,001 Nights"
Sharifah, Shareefa - Noble
Siham - Arrows
Souad or Su'ad
Suha - Name of a star
Suhailah, Suhaylah, Suhayla - Smooth, soft, fluent, flowing
Suhaymah - Small arrow
Suhayr, Suhair - Proper name
Sumayyah, Sumaiya - Proper name

T

Tahirah - Pure, chaste
Takiyah - Pious, righteous
Talibah - Seeker after knowledge
Tarub, Taroob - Merry
Thana' - Thankfulness
Thara' - Wealth
Thurayya - Star

U

Umayma - Little mother

W

Wafa' - Faithfulness
Wafiqah, Wafeeqa - Successful
Wafiyyah, Wafiya - Loyal, faithful
Wahibah - Giver, donor
Wajihah, Wajeeha - Eminent, distinguished
Walidah - Newborn
Warda, Wardah, Wordah - Rose
Widad - Love, friendship
Wijdan - Ecstacy, sentiment
Wisal - Communion in love

Y

Yafiah - High
Yakootah - Emerald
Yamha - Dove
Yaminah - Right and proper
Yasirah - Lenient
Yasmine, Yasmin, Yasmeen - Jasmine
Yumn - Good fortune, success
Yusra - Proper name

Z

Zafirah - Victorious, successful
Zahirah - Shining, luminous
Zahra' - White
Zahrah - Flower, beauty, star
Zainab, Zaynab - Daughter of the Prophet (pbuh)
Zakiyyah - Pure
Zaynah, Zaina - Beautiful
Zubaidah - Excellent