Is it permissible to name a newborn girl "Eiliya" which is the old name for Jerusalem?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
The name "Ilya'" was used for Jerusalem in several hadiths, such as the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying: "Travel is only undertaken to three mosques: the mosque of the Kaaba, my mosque, and the mosque of Ilya'." There is no objection to naming a girl with this name, but it may not be suitable due to its uncommonness and it might imply commendation, and the Prophet (peace be upon him) changed names that involved self-commendation. It is preferable to choose a good name that is suitable for the girl.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/100747
Where this answer came from
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- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 100747
- 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