RAMADAN LECTURE: SHEIKH IMRAN ABDUL MOJEED ELEHA URGES MUSLIMS TO CHOOSE RIGHTEOUS NAMES ON SOCIAL MEDIA
By Olayiwola Ibrahim // Daaru Naim Central Mosque, Lagos – In a thought-provoking Ramadan lecture held today, Sheikh Imran Abdul Mojeed Eleha emphasized the importance of choosing good names on social media, citing Islamic teachings and the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) guidance.
Sheikh Eleha began by highlighting the significance of names in Islam, quoting the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as saying, You will be called by your names and the names of your fathers on the Day of Resurrection, so choose good names for yourselves. (Abu Dawud)
The renowned Islamic scholar cautioned against using names that imply worship or devotion to other than Allah, contain profanity or obscenity, or promote sin or immorality.
He emphasized that such names can lead to sin and corruption, not only for the individual but also for others who may be influenced by them.
Sheikh Eleha encouraged Muslims to choose names that are Halal (permissible), Hayy (modest), and Barakah (blessed).
He explained that using good names can earn Allah’s pleasure, help develop good character, and avoid sin and corruption.
The Sheikh further warned against using names that may attract Allah’s wrath and punishment.
He cited four examples of names to avoid on social media and in real life:
1. Abdul Ban (Slave of Money): This name implies devotion to wealth and materialism, rather than to Allah.
2. Abdul Al-Maal (Slave of Wealth): Similar to the previous example, this name prioritizes wealth over faith and spirituality.
3. Abdul Al-Dunya (Slave of the World), noring that this name suggests a focus on worldly desires and pleasures, rather than on the Hereafter.
4. Abdul Al-Hawa (Slave of Desires), this name implies a surrender to one’s desires and whims, rather than to Allah’s guidance and commands.
Sheikh Eleha also reminded the congregation that there are certain names that Muslims are prohibited from bearing, such as:
– Allah: This name is exclusive to the Almighty and should not be used as a personal name.
– Names of Allah’s attributes: Names such as Al-Rahman, Al-Rahim, and Al-Malik should not be used as personal names without the prefix Abdul (Slave of).
– Names that imply divinity: Names that suggest divine qualities or attributes, such as Al-Khaliq (The Creator), should be avoided.
Sheikh Eleha emphasized that using such names can lead to spiritual corruption and invite Allah’s wrath.
He urged Muslims to choose names that reflect their devotion to Allah and their commitment to living a virtuous life.
The lecture, attended by a large congregation of Muslims, aimed to sensitize the global Muslim community to the importance of mindful social media usage, particularly when it comes to choosing names.
Sheikh Eleha’s timely reminder serves as a call to action for Muslims to reflect on their online presence and make amends for any past mistakes.
By choosing righteous names, Muslims can promote positivity, modesty, and blessings in their online interactions.
As the Muslim world observes the holy month of Ramadan, Sheikh Eleha’s lecture serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of living a virtuous life, both online and offline.
In a Key Takeaways message, the Scholar advised on the following urging muslims to ..
1. Choose names that are Halal (permissible), Hayy (modest), and Barakah (blessed).
2. Avoid names that imply worship or devotion to other than Allah.
3. Refrain from using names that contain profanity or obscenity.
4. Avoid names that promote sin or immorality.
5. Using good names can earn Allah’s pleasure, help develop good character, and avoid sin and corruption.
6. Avoid using names that are exclusive to Allah or imply divinity.
7. Use the prefix Abdul (Slave of) when using names of Allah’s attributes.
May this Ramadan lecture inspire Muslims worldwide to make a positive impact in their online communities and beyond.
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