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What are the disliked or forbidden names in Islam, such as "Rabah, Najah, Abrar"? Is it permissible to name a girl "Khulood" given the existence of the name "Khalid" during the time of the Prophet (peace be upon him)? And is it permissible to name someone "Nailah"?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

If a name implies glorification or aggrandizement, then it should not be used for naming, based on the Almighty's saying: "So do not assert your 'purity'; He is most knowing of who fears Him," and due to the Prophet's (peace be upon him) prohibition against naming a boy "Rabaah," "Najeh," "Yasar," or "Aflah," and against the name "Barrah." As for the name "Abrar," there is no direct prohibition against it, but the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying: "Allah knows best who among you are the righteous (Ahl al-Birr)" raises a reservation. The Prophet (peace be upon him) also changed the names of some of his wives from "Barrah" to other names.

As for the name "Khulood," its permissibility is apparent. "Khulood" here is relative, representing an optimism for a long life, and the word carries other meanings such as inclination and stillness. Similarly, the name "Nailah" contains a meaning of optimism for attaining what is sought, like "Salih" and "Mu'adh," and there is no harm in it. One should name a child with a good name.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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