What is the ruling on and meaning of naming a girl "Eilaf," and what is the meaning of the name "Shayma"?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
The basic principle in choosing names is permissibility, unless the name involves servitude to other than Allah or is repulsive. There is no objection to the names "Elaf" and "Shaymaa". "Elaf" is derived from al-ulfah (familiarity, affection). "Shaymaa" is an ancient name, given to the Prophet's foster sister, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. It may be derived from al-sheemah (character/disposition), or al-shamah (a distinguishing mark/mole), or al-shamam (nobility/loftiness).
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/94197
Where this answer came from
- Source platform
- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 94197
- 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