Is there a connection between the Boxthorn (Awsaj) and the Christ's Thorn (Gharqad), and is it permissible to name a child Awsaj, following the practice of ancient Arabs?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
The Gharkad is a tree resembling the 'Awsaj (boxthorn), with thicker and bitter-tasting branches. It is the 'Awsaj when it grows large, and it may be a plant of the desert. There is no harm in naming after it, as it does not contain any bad meaning. It was well-known in the early Islamic era, and a number of Companions and narrators were named after it.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/111910
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- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 111910
- 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