Excerpt from “Ahkām wa Masā’il Kitāb-o-Sunnat kī Roshni mein” by Shaykh Mubashir Ahmad Rabbānī
❖ Question:
Allah Almighty has blessed me with two daughters. I have named them Asfandariya and Malā’ikah. However, some people say these are not proper names. Kindly guide me regarding this matter.
❖ Answer:
When Allah ﷻ blesses a person with the bounty of children, their names should be correct, meaningful, and virtuous. The best names are those which express servitude to Allah, such as:
- عبد الله (ʿAbdullāh) – Servant of Allah
- عبد الرحمن (ʿAbd al-Raḥmān) – Servant of the Most Merciful
You may also choose names from among the female Companions (ṣaḥābiyyāt) of the Prophet ﷺ or other beloved and meaningful names.
As for “Malā’ikah”, its meaning is angels, and regarding “Asfandariya”, I have not found a clear meaning. Therefore, it is advisable that you choose a better and more appropriate name.
For assistance in selecting such names, refer to the book:
📘 “Pyāray Nām” compiled by Maulānā Fārūq Aṣghar Ṣārim رحمه الله.
✅ Important Note:
Choosing meaningful and virtuous names is a right of the child and a sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ. Avoid names with unclear, foreign, or improper meanings, even if they sound pleasant.
