The Role of the Prophetic Sunna in Addressing Intellectual Stagnation: The Changing of Names as a Case Study (A Thematic Study)

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Azhar University

Abstract

This study examines a social phenomenon that was widespread among pre-Islamic Arabs and remains present in contemporary society: the use of names that imply self-praise or bear offensive meanings. It investigates how the Prophetic Sunna engaged with this phenomenon, whether by discouraging such names through admonition and disapproval or by altering them directly. It further explores the rationale underlying the Sunna’s response and the consequences associated with the use of such names.
It is well established that names exert psychological impact on those who carry them, whether favorable or unfavorable. Names that involve exaggeration, whether in praise or censure, may bear no real correspondence to the one who carries them. For this reason, the Prophet changed the names of some of his Companions when their names conveyed unjustified commendation, bore negative implications, or conflicted with the aims of the Sharīʿa. These changes reflected careful consideration of the individual's identity as a Muslim, ensuring that a name would neither debase its bearer to the level of animals nor elevate him to a degree of absolute perfection that belongs to God alone.
The present study seeks to elucidate how the Sunna addressed manifestations of intellectual stagnation through the reform of names, and to clarify the legal and ethical intent underlying these interventions.
The study comprises an introduction, a prelude, two main chapters, and a conclusion. The first chapter addresses the alteration of names indicative of self-righteousness. The second discusses names that conflict with Islam’s message of moderation. The conclusion presents the principal findings, recommendations, and key sources.
The study adopts both inductive and analytical methodologies. The inductive method was used to gather Prophetic traditions concerning name changes, while the analytical method served to examine the reasons for these changes and the wisdom they reflect.
The study concludes that the question of naming is one that the Prophetic Sunna addressed systematically within a coherent framework. This framework outlines what is commendable, disliked, impermissible, or in need of correction, reflecting the Prophet’s attentiveness to the psychological and social dimensions of naming. In light of these findings, the study recommends a review of widely adopted non-Arabic names to assess their meanings and discourage those that conflict with the message of Islam.

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