Q. You have recently published an article stating that the Prophet (peace be upon him) changed the names of some of his companions because there was something objectionable in their names. I have been often criticized for being named Aziz-ur-Rahman. Some people say that both Aziz and Rahman are names of God and that one may not have two names of God as his own name. Should I change my name?
S. Aziz-ur-Rahman, USA
A. The name Rahman is a proper name that refers to God and may not be applied to anyone else. Aziz, on the other hand, is an attribute of God, which means “powerful, mighty, etc.” However, the word has another shade of meaning, which is “dear, beloved, etc.” Therefore, when the two words are used in combination as a name, they mean, “the one dear to God.” As such, there is nothing wrong with the name and you do not need to change it.
Q. My name is Muhammad Abdul Nayeem. Many people have objected to it, saying that Nayeem is not a name or attribute of God. Therefore, it cannot be preceded by Abdul, which means, “servant of”. They have advised me to drop Abdul from my name. Please comment.
M. A. Nayeem, Riyadh
A. The criticism is valid. Nayeem means “bliss, happiness, comfort, etc.” God’s attribute that is derived from the same root is Munim, which means “bountiful, giver, etc.” If it is easy for you to change your name, then either drop Abdul or change Nayeem to Munim. If it is difficult to change, as is the case in some countries, then drop Abdul from every day use, and retain it only in official papers.
Need for Ablutions
Q. If I am cleaning my four-year old son after he has been gone to the bathroom and I wash his private parts or touch some impurity, do I have to renew my ablutions when I want to offer my prayers?
Samee
A. No, touching an impurity requires only that the impurity be removed by washing with water the part of the body that comes in contact with the impurity. Washing off an impurity means that it should leave no trace or color. So, when you have cleaned your son, all you need to do is to wash off any impurity that you might have touched and wash your hands thoroughly.