Question:Is “al-Sattār” one of the names of Allah? And is it permissible to name someone ‘ʿAbd al-Sattār’? Considering that the names and attributes of Allah are tawqīfī (based solely on revelation), and the authentic narrations only mention “al-Sittīr”.
Answer by Shaykh ʿUmar Atharī (ḥafiẓahullāh)◉ 1. Is “al-Sattār” One of Allah’s Names?
There is no authentic textual evidence (ṣarīḥ dalīl) from the Qur’an or Sunnah that “al-Sattār” is among the Asmāʾ al-Ḥusnā (Beautiful Names of Allah). Although people commonly use the term “al-Sattār”, the authentic Hadiths only confirm the name “al-Sittīr”.◉ 2. “Al-Sittīr” in the Light of Hadith
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ حَيِيٌّ سِتِّيرٌ يُحِبُّ الْحَيَاءَ وَالسَّتْرَ، فَإِذَا اغْتَسَلَ أَحَدُكُمْ، فَلْيَسْتَتِرْ"
“Indeed, Allah is modest and veiling (al-Sittīr); He loves modesty and concealment. So when one of you bathes, let him cover himself.”
(Sunan Abī Dāwūd: 4012)
✔ This hadith clearly establishes “al-Sittīr” as a proven attribute/name of Allah.
✔ However, “al-Sattār” is not mentioned in any sound narration.
◉ 3. Ruling on Naming Someone ‘ʿAbd al-Sattār’
Sharʿī Principle:
When using the prefix “ʿAbd” (servant) in a name, it must be followed by one of the confirmed names of Allah from the Asmāʾ al-Ḥusnā. Since “al-Sattār” is not established as a name of Allah, naming someone “ʿAbd al-Sattār” is not correct according to Sharʿī principles.✔ This opinion is also held by Shaykh Ibn Bāz (رحمه الله).
❖ Summary
✔ “Al-Sittīr” is a proven attribute of Allah, established by authentic Sunnah.✔ “Al-Sattār” is not confirmed through sound evidence.
✔ Naming a child “ʿAbd al-Sattār” is not in accordance with the established rules regarding the use of Allah’s names.
✔ It is best to avoid such names and choose those that are clearly derived from authentic sources.
