Who has a greater right to name the child?

· 15 Rabiʻ II 1444 AH1 min readEnglish
Family Matters

Question

What is correct way of naming a newborn child? Who has a greater right (mother or father)? Should there be Mashwera between the parents or, is the father to reveal the name to the mother on the 7th day?

Answer

We understand from the Hadith Sharif that it is the right of the father to give the child a good name. However, it is best that both the father and the mother make Mashwera and name the child. In this way, both parties will be happy. If the mother chooses a name and the father is happy with the chosen name, then there is no problem with this. The naming of the child should not be made an issue.

References (Arabic / Urdu sources)

وعن ابى سعيد وابن عباس قالا قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم من ولد له ولد فليحسن اسمه وأدبه فاذا بلغ فليزوجه فان بلغ ولم يزوجه فاصاب اثما فانما إثمه على أبيه (شعب الايمان للبيهقي)

Answered by
Mufti Mohammed Desai
Ask Ibn Masood

Fatawa SA is an independent, read-only index of fatawa already published by Darul Ifta Ibn Masood. It is not a fatwa service. For your own situation, ask the issuing Darul Ifta directly.