What is the ruling on naming with "Akbar" (Greatest), "A'zam" (Most Mighty), "Aqdas" (Most Holy), "Ahsan" (Most Beautiful), "Afdal" (Most Excellent), and the like?
Islamic Sharia emphasizes the importance of good names and the prohibition of ugly ones. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, changed names that implied self-praise or had disliked meanings, such as "Barrah" (pious) due to its conflict with Allah’s saying: (So do not ascribe purity to yourselves; He knows best who is righteous) [An-Najm: 32]. Therefore, it is disliked to be named with names such as "Afdal" (most excellent), "Ahsan" (most good), "Athar" (most pure), "Aqdas" (most holy), and "Akbar" (greatest); because they contain clear self-praise, blameworthy exaggeration, and what they may suggest of arrogance and opposition to humility.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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