Is it permissible to name a newborn "Al-Masih" (the Messiah), and is it valid to name him "Isa Al-Masih" (Jesus the Messiah), knowing that in the Holy Quran, "Al-Masih" is always mentioned before the name "Isa"?
There is no religious impediment to naming a child 'Isa (Jesus), and there is no objection to naming a son 'Isa even if the father's name is 'Al-Masih' (the Messiah). The original practice in the Arabic language is to separate the father's name from his son's with the word "ibn" (son of), because omitting it is an innovation from non-Arabs. An example of this is "Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Hasan" and not "Ahmad Muhammad Hasan." Presenting the title 'Al-Masih' before the name 'Isa is permissible due to its widespread recognition, and the original form is "Isa al-Masih," unless the title is more famous, in which case it is permissible to present the title before the name. As for using intercession to complete one's studies, it is permissible if it does not lead to injustice towards anyone; otherwise, it is forbidden.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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