´It was narrated that Abu Wahb, who was a Companion of the Prophet, said:` "The Messenger of Allah said: 'Call (your children) by the names of the prophets. And the most beloved names to Allah, the Mighty and Sublime, are 'Abdullah and 'Abdur-Rahman. Keep horses; wipe their forelocks and posteriors, and prepare them for Jihad, but do not prepare them to seek vengeance for people killed during the Jahiliyyah. You should seek out Kumait, horses with a white mark on the face and white feet, or red with a white mark on the face and white feet, or black with a white mark on the face and white feet.'"
Explanation & Benefits
Hafiz Muhammad Ameen
(1) A name also has an effect on a person’s character, therefore, one should choose a good name. The part of the hadith in which there is a command to name after the Prophets (alayhimussalam) is weak; however, there is no harm in naming after the Prophets, rather, it is recommended (mustahabb). The Noble Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) named his own son Ibrahim. Personally, the names of the Prophets (alayhimussalam) are superior, and naming one’s children after them is a sign of love for them. However, in terms of meaning, Abdullah and Abdur-Rahman are superior, as is mentioned in an authentic (sahih) hadith, because they contain the acknowledgment of servitude (‘ubudiyyah). Other similar names, such as Abdur-Rahim, Abdur-Hamid, etc., insha’Allah, have the same ruling. And Allah knows best.
(2) “Rub your hands” can also mean: keep them clean and well-maintained, take good care of them.
(3) “Do not be harsh,” because it is severe and sharp, and there is a risk of cutting the throat.
(4) “Qirmizi” (crimson): This color is formed by a combination of black and red. The superiority of such horses was based on experience, not on revelation. In another region or era, the opposite may be possible. In any case, horses of these colors appear beautiful. A white mark on the forehead like a flower and all four legs white below the knees—how handsome they look!
Source: Sunan Nasa'i: Translation and Benefits by Shaykh Hafiz Muhammad Amin Hafizullah, Page: 3595
Shaykh Umar Farooq Saeedi
Benefits and Issues:
➊ In names like Abdullah and Abdur Rahman, there is an attribution of servitude to Allah, the Mighty and Majestic, and its expression; thus, it is a felicity for that servant who is called by this noble lineage at all times, whether standing, sitting, or on any occasion.
In contrast, who among humans is there who is not concerned about the means of sustenance or is safe from any kind of grief and sorrow? Therefore, names like Harith (the one who cultivates) and Hammam (the one who is concerned) are closer to reality.
Also, according to some, a name has some meaningful effect on its bearer, which is why good names should be chosen.
Harb (warrior) and Murrah (bitter) are very bad names, so they should be avoided.
➋ Regarding the authentication of the aforementioned narration, our esteemed researcher writes that this narration is weak in its chain of transmission; however, it has supporting evidences (shawahid).
But he did not mention the details of these supporting evidences, nor their level.
...
The words of the above-mentioned narration (Ahabbu al-asma’ ‘Abdullah wa ‘Abdur Rahman) are narrated with a sound chain in Sahih Muslim (Hadith 2132) and Sunan Abu Dawud (Hadith 4949), which he himself has also declared authentic.
Also, the rest of the words of the narration, except for the phrase (Tassammu bi-asma’ al-anbiya’), are authentic, as Shaykh al-Albani rahimahullah has mentioned.
For details, see: (al-Sahihah, Hadith: 904)
Source: Sunan Abu Dawood – Commentary by Shaykh Umar Farooq Saeedi, Page: 4950