What is the meaning of "Artbun," and is it permissible to take on the titles of the honorable Companions?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
"Artabun" is a foreign word whose meaning has not been found in dictionaries. It is the name of a Roman commander renowned for his cunning. 'Umar ibn al-Khattab said of him, "We have countered the Artabun of the Romans with the Artabun of the Arabs." It is not permissible to name someone with this name because it is one of the names of the enemies of Islam, and its meaning is unknown and may contradict the tenets of Islam. 'Umar's saying was an example of linguistic assonance, not a naming of 'Amr with this name. Adopting the epithets of the Companions is preferable.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- 124452
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- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Read the full answer on Ftawy