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Sunni Islam Guidance, worship tools and authentic sources

About the name Isa

Isa is the Arabic name of Jesus, son of Maryam, one of the five greatest messengers. Muslims believe in his miraculous birth, his miracles by Allah's permission, and that he was raised to Allah and will return before the Last Day. The Quran calls him the Messiah (al-Masih) and a word from Allah.

Quran 3:45–49, 4:157–158

Arabic
عيسى
Gender
Boy
First letter
I
Letters
3

Naming in the Sunnah

Choose a good name

The Prophet ﷺ said: “The most beloved of your names to Allah are 'Abdullah and 'Abdur-Rahman.” (Sahih Muslim 2132) He also changed names with bad meanings.

The seventh day

It is sunnah to name the child, shave the head, give its weight in silver in charity, and offer the 'aqiqah on the seventh day (Sunan Abi Dawud 2838). Naming earlier is also permitted.

'Abd + a Name of Allah

Compound names beginning with 'Abd should only be joined to one of Allah's names, such as 'Abd al-Karim — never to a created being.

Names to avoid

Names that claim divinity or absolute qualities belonging to Allah alone, names with bad meanings, and names associated with false deities.