There is power in a name! Why, you ask? Simply because a name is never just a label — it carries identity, history, and meaning. A name can open doors or close them, inspire confidence or spark curiosity. It connects us to our roots, our faith, our family, and our culture.

It is incumbent upon parents to teach their children the meaning of their names. In this way, children can walk in the path of that meaning.

Sadly, in my interactions with children over many years, I have often asked them the meaning of their names, and to my dismay, many did not know. When that happens, I make sure to share the meaning with them. The glee and pride that light up their faces warm the very cockles of my heart.

Names and titles are never random, especially in business; there’s always intention behind them. A name carries weight — you stand by it, live by it, even live up to it.

Businesses pick names very carefully. Take, for instance, the social media platform TikTok — just hearing it grabs one's attention and imagination.

“TikTok” echoes the steady heartbeat of a clock. One quick tap, one more scroll, and before you know it the minutes — sometimes hours — tick-tock away. A quiet reminder that time is precious and a name can tell the whole story.

It is vital to give a good name, to explain its meaning, and to remind the child of it often. In doing so, the child will strive to live up to the meaning of their name, carrying with them a sense of dignity and pride.

I remember my dear friend, Mrs D Fubler, who has taught hundreds — if not thousands — of children over the years. She always said: “Many of the time, a good name is the only thing a parent has to give their child; hence it is a sacred matter.”

I believe that restoration is essential in rehabilitation. One powerful way to support this is by restoring self‑esteem and dignity, helping individuals to live up to the meaning of their name.

When people are reminded of the value and purpose carried in their name, it can inspire them to walk in that path with pride. In this way, negative attitudes may be redirected, and lives can begin to take a better path.

Indeed, there is power in a name — not only in shaping identity, but also in restoring hope, dignity, and purpose.

From an Islamic perspective, giving a good name is both a blessing to the child and a responsibility of the parents. Naming a child is not merely a cultural custom — it is a right of the child and an act of devotion by the parents.

A name is the first gift a parent offers and the first layer of a person’s identity. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said: “On the Day of Judgment you will be called by your names and the names of your fathers, so give yourselves good names.” (Abu Dawud)

The Koran elevates the dignity of a person’s name and cautions against ridicule: “Do not insult one another by [offensive] nicknames. Wretched is the name of disobedience after faith.” (Koran 49:11)

This verse speaks to more than casual teasing. It forbids mocking or belittling anyone through names or nicknames, no matter how harmless the words might seem. A name should convey respect and honour, because it is tied to the person’s soul and self‑worth.

Parents are encouraged to select names that are meaningful and virtuous — names that carry qualities such as faith (Iman), gratitude (Shukr), strength (Hamza), or patience (Sabr).

Prophet Muhammad also said: “The most beloved of names to Allah are ‘Abdullah’ and ‘Abd al‑Rahman’.” (Muslim)

Many Muslims name their children after the 99 Beautiful Names of Allah, prefixed with ‘Abd (servant of). Examples include Abd al‑Rahman (Servant of the Most Merciful), Abd al‑Karim (Servant of the Most Generous), Abd al‑Hakeem (Servant of the All‑Wise), and Abd al‑Jalil (Servant of the Majestic). These names are more than labels — they are reminders of God’s attributes and encourage the child to embody the virtues they represent.

Among the many beautiful words in Arabic, one that captures hearts across cultures is ḥabib (beloved) and its endearing form ḥabibi — “my beloved” or “my dear”.

I have always loved the name Habibi because it radiates warmth and affection. Prophet Muhammad addressed his beloved companions with words of love and endearment, and habibi was a tender expression of closeness.

As a given name, Habib is well‑established in Muslim tradition. Great scholars and saints, such as Habib ibn Zayd al‑Ansari, carried it with honour. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is lovingly referred to as Habibullah — the Beloved of Allah.

Naming a child Habib or Habibah not only conveys love but echoes a legacy of mercy, connection, and the affectionate tone with which Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) spoke.

Islam strictly warns against mocking or altering someone’s name in hurtful ways. Nicknames can wound deeply, especially if they point to physical features or personal challenges.

I remember when someone nicknamed me “Limp” because of my unusual walk. They thought it funny, but when others began using it instead of my given name of Linda, it stung. This is exactly what the Koran forbids: every individual has a God‑given right to dignity.

Even affectionate nicknames require consent and kindness. Prophet Muhammad sometimes gave companions gentle nicknames — always positive, never demeaning, and always welcomed by the person.

Across the Muslim world, naming ceremonies are celebrated with joy and gratitude:

• West Africa: families hold an Aqiqah on the seventh day, offering charity, shaving the baby’s hair, and announcing the name

— South Asia: the adhan (call to prayer) is recited in the baby’s ear before the name is shared with relatives and friends

— Arab traditions: elders gather to bless the child and explain the virtues of the chosen name

These ceremonies underline that naming is not casual — it is an act of worship and a public prayer for the child’s life.

During the time when I reverted to Islam, many reverts chose to change their given names to an Islamic name that resonated with their new purpose. I chose a different path: I kept the names my parents had lovingly given me because they already carried good meanings and reflected my family’s hopes.

To honour my new faith, I added an Islamic name as well — creating a bridge between my heritage and my spiritual identity.

My sister‑friend Aqeelah chose for me the name Walia (sometimes spelled Waliyah) — meaning Friend of Allah or Trusted Friend. It can also be interpreted as female guardian, woman under divine protection, or friend or companion of God.

This name is often given with the hope that the bearer will embody piety, serenity, and a strong spiritual connection. It is not just a name — it is a blessing, a calling, and a reflection of divine closeness. I feel truly honoured and strive to carry the dignity of my name.

My cousin approached it differently: he changed his names but asked my dear aunt, his mother, to choose them. In doing so, he honoured both his new commitment and his mother’s role in shaping his identity. These choices show that Islam does not demand erasing one’s past; it calls for good, meaningful names, whether inherited or newly chosen.

Selecting a beautiful name is considered a lasting gift, a form of ongoing charity (sadaqah jariyah). Every time the name is spoken in prayer or remembrance, it becomes a blessing for both parent and child. Respecting someone’s name — pronouncing it properly, avoiding cruel nicknames — is an act of mercy and obedience to Allah.

In Islam, a name is more than a label; it is a prayer, a responsibility, and a lifelong guide. Parents fulfil a sacred trust when they choose a name with noble meaning. Communities fulfil their duty when they speak each name with respect. From birth to the Day of Judgment, the name given by loving parents — and honoured by others — remains a powerful part of a believer’s dignity and connection to Allah.

As the adage reminds us: “What’s in a name? … everything!”

Keep on keeping on Bermuda, your prayers together with your voices are slowly but surely being heard … peace and justice will come, sooner rather than later.

Bermuda, may the upcoming week be blessed and purposeful.

As salaam alaikum (peace be unto you).

• Linda Walia Ming is a member of the Bermuda Hijab Dawah Team, a group of Muslim women who reside in Bermuda and have a goal of educating the community about the religion of Islam