Am I A Disbeliever for Using the Name, “Devil”?
Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick
Question
In my gaming profile, I have chosen the username “devil,” and I have also included non-Muslim names in my profile. Is this considered kufr (disbelief)?
Answer
Using the name “devil” as a username may be considered inappropriate or disrespectful, as it associates oneself with negative and sinful connotations. However, whether it amounts to kufr (disbelief) depends on the intention behind the choice of the username and the overall context, and Allah knows best.
Allah says: “O believers! Do not let some men ridicule others; they may be better than them, nor let some women ridicule other women; they may be better than them. Do not defame one another, nor call each other by offensive nicknames. How evil it is to act rebelliously after having faith! And whoever does not repent, it is they who are the true wrongdoers. [Quran, 49:11]
Islam emphasizes the importance of good manners and avoiding anything that may lead to harm or promote wrongdoing. Scholars may advise against using names or symbols that are associated with negativity or disobedience to Allah.
Regarding using non-Muslim names in your profile, generally, there is no issue with adopting non-Muslim names as long as they are not names of deities, carry inappropriate meanings, or lead to unethical behavior. Islam encourages respectful interaction with people of different faiths, and using their names is generally acceptable.
It is essential to consider the intentions behind your actions and whether they align with Islamic principles. If you have any doubts or concerns, seeking guidance from a qualified Islamic scholar or religious authority would be advisable, as they can provide context-specific advice based on a deeper understanding of your situation.
I pray this is of benefit and that Allah guides us all.
[Shaykh]Irshaad Sedick
Checked and approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Shaykh Irshaad Sedick was raised in South Africa in a traditional Muslim family. He graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah in Strand, Western Cape, under the guidance of the late world-renowned scholar Shaykh Taha Karaan.
Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Mawlana Yusuf Karaan, and Mawlana Abdul Hafeez Makki, among others.
He is the author of the text “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?” He has served as the Director of the Discover Islam Centre and Al Jeem Foundation. For the last five years till present, he has served as the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.
Shaykh Irshaad has thirteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town). He is currently building an Islamic online learning and media platform called ‘Isnad Academy’ and has completed his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy living and fitness.
