Is it obligatory to change the name "Bismillah" or "Sami' Allah" because they are not permissible according to Sharia?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
It is not permissible to name a newborn "Bismillah" (In the Name of Allah) because it is one of the prescribed forms of remembrance (), and doing so exposes the remembrance of Allah to disrespect and insult. It was not intended for naming people. This name must be changed and replaced with good names such as "Abdullah" or "Muhammad." Likewise, it is not permissible to name someone "Subhan Allah" (Glory be to Allah) or "Kalimullah" (The one to whom Allah spoke), but "Sami'ullah" (The one whom Allah hears) is permissible. As for naming a girl "Basmalah," it has no meaning and should be abandoned.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/26594
Where this answer came from
- Source platform
- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 26594
- Added here
- . This is when the answer was added to El Fatwa, not the fatwa's date.
- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy