Baby Names Honouring Great Muslim Women
Doting Mothers, Strong Daughters, Loving Wives and Loyal Companions
Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings upon him) once reminded his followers: "On the Day of Resurrection, you will be called by your names and by your fathers' names, so give yourselves good names." (Abu Dawud).
Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) encourages Muslim parents to give their children meaningful names. Choosing a name of an iconic Muslim woman in Islamic history is a great way to welcome a daughter into a growing family.
Here are names of such Muslim women and short narrations of their contributions to the faith.
Names of Mothers of Prophets
The Qur'an and the Prophetic Hadith tells tales of pious women who gave birth to Prophets of Allah. Their names are popular picks amongst parents who wish to choose good names for their children.
Maryam is the only female mentioned in the Qur'an by name. Her birth of Prophet Isa (blessings upon mother and son) marks the one and only virgin birth in the history of Islam. She is known as one of four perfect women in Islam and has been recognised as a leader of believing women in Paradise.
Sara is also a special name for a girl. Sara is known to be the first wife of Prophet Ibrahim, and through her, Prophet Ishaq (blessings upon them all) was born. She had seen her husband through many adversities and later became a very doting mother.
Hajar was known as Prophet Ibrahim's second wife, who gave birth to Prophet Ismail (blessings upon them both). It was through their emigration to Makkah, that Islam was founded there through the construction of the Ka'bah and the finding of the Zam Zam Well.
Names from Prophet Muhammad's Household
Prophet Muhammad lived amongst a household of roses (may Allah be pleased with all of them) and their names are favourite choices amongst Muslim parents.
Prophet's first wife, Khadija, is a special name, as Khadija was the first woman to embrace Islam. It was during the early years of Islam that Muslims were frequently abused. Yet her steadfastness lived on; there are many hadith that relay Prophet Muhammad's love for her even many years after she passed away.
Fatima is an exceptionally popular name amongst Muslims. Fatima was the name of Prophet Muhammad's youngest daughter, and also his favourite. She and her mother are also considered perfect women in Islam. Fatima is recognised as a leader of Muslim women in Paradise.
Prophet Muhammad's other daughters were called Zaynab, Ruqayya and Umm Kulthum.
Another beautiful Muslim girl's name is Aishah. She was also a wife of Prophet Muhammad, many years after Khadija passed away. Aishah outlived her husband by 50 years and through her, many important Islamic practices – especially for women – were handed down and are taught to this very day.
Hafsa is also a unique name for a baby girl. Hafsa was another wife of Prophet Muhammad and the daughter of Umar ibn Khattab, one of the rightful Caliphs. She was appointed as the guardian of the Qur'an during its compilation.
Names of Prophet Muhammad's Companions
Prophet Muhammad had many loyal companions (may Allah be pleased with all of them). Amongst them were Asma, Sumayyah and Nusayba.
Asma was Aishah's older sister, and the daughter of Abu Bakr, another rightful Caliph. Asma is well known for her bravery during the emigration from Makkah to Madinah. She had risked her life and ferried food to her father and the Prophet while they were being hunted down by the Quraysh.
Sumayyah is also a beautiful name for a Muslim baby girl. Sumayyah was one of the first reverts to Islam. She came from a very poor family and Islam enticed her to rally with the Prophet, fighting for rightful treatment of the poor and equality for women. Sumayyah was also one of the first martyrs in Islam, when she was killed for refusing to renounce her faith.
Nusayba is the name of another companion who was known for her bravery. She followed the Muslim army to war as a medical officer on many occasions, and at times when the Muslim army was being defeated, Nusayba fought alongside the men. She was reported to have protected the Prophet during one of the historical battles against the Quraysh.
Naming a Baby Girl after an Iconic Muslim Woman
Honouring great Muslim women through daughters' names is a good way to remind one's self of the hardship, struggles and success of these Muslim women. Their stories also need to be conveyed to their namesakes so that the same children are determined to grow up as believing Muslim women.
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