Can I Name My Son Elias or Aaron?
Answered by Ustadha Shazia Ahmad
Question
Is it permissible in Islam to name our child Elias? And whether it is permissible to name my son Aaron rather than Harun.
Answer
Thank you for your question. May Allah bless your child with piety and make him a coolness to your eyes and for all those around him.
Elias
It is permissible to name your son Elias (Ilyas/Elyas/Ilias), as this is the name of a Prophet and is mentioned in the Noble Quran. It is used by Muslims and is a great name. These verses mention his story in the Quran:
“And Elias was indeed one of the messengers. (Remember) when he said to his people, ‘Will you not fear (Allah)? Do you call upon (the idol of) Ba’l and abandon the Best of Creators—Allah, your Lord and the Lord of your forefathers?’ But they rejected him, so they will certainly be brought (for punishment). But not the chosen servants of Allah. We blessed him (with honourable mention) among later generations: ‘Peace be upon Elias.’” [Quran, 37:123-30]
Aaron
It is permissible to name your son Aaron, but using names used by Muslims is recommended. This will give your son ease in being identified as a Muslim, and it is better to give him the name mentioned for this Prophet in the Quran. Likewise, Musa would be superior to using Moses, `Isa would be superior to using Jesus, and Ibrahim would be superior to using Abraham. Similarly, the name Ilyas you asked about is superior to using Elijah.
Please see these links as well:
What Acts Are Recommended After Giving Birth to a Child?
What Is the Sunnah in Regards to Receiving a Newborn Baby?
What Are Some of the Sunnas in Feeding and Caring for a Baby?
May Allah give you the best of this world and the next.
[Ustadha] Shazia Ahmad
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Ustadha Shazia Ahmad lived in Damascus, Syria, for two years, where she studied aqidah, fiqh, tajweed, tafsir, and Arabic. She then attended the University of Texas at Austin and completed her Masters in Arabic. Afterward, she moved to Amman, Jordan, where she studied fiqh, Arabic, and other sciences. She later moved back to Mississauga, Canada, where she lives with her family.
