Topic:
Naming a Child Zoha (with a damma on ز and a sukoon on و)
(No-65759)
Respected Mufti Sahib, Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh,
My daughter's name is Zoha, she was born on 9 November 2022 and is 3 years and 9 months old. I would like to know the meaning, origin, and Shari'i status of the name Zoha. Is it permissible in Shariah and suitable for my daughter?
My daughter has a speech delay. She understands what is said to her, maintains good eye contact, responds when her name is called, plays with other children, engages in pretend play, and communicates her needs through pointing. She is currently receiving speech therapy. She has also been frequently ill in the past and continues to face some developmental and speech-related challenges. These are the reasons we are concerned about her name and are seeking Shari'i guidance on whether it should be changed. Please also advise whether such issues can have any Shari'i connection to a child's name.
If the name Zoha is not appropriate, please suggest another good, meaningful, and Shari'i-appropriate name. Jazakum Allahu Khayran.
It should be noted that "Zoha" (زُوْہا, with a damma on ز and a sukoon on و) is a word without any meaning. There is, however, a similar Arabic name, "Duha" (ضُحیٰ, with a damma on ض and a fatha on ح), which means "the time of forenoon, the sun, and brightness."
If you wish, you may rename your daughter "Duha" with the correct Arabic pronunciation. Alternatively, you may choose a name from among those of the Ummahaat ul-Mumineen or the Sahabiyat, may Allah be pleased with them all, or any other name with a good meaning.
Whenever a name with a bad meaning was brought before the Prophet ﷺ, he would change it. However, the name "Zoha" does not carry any such fault or negative meaning that it could be considered a cause of your daughter's illness, speech delay, or any other medical issue. There is no Shari'i connection between a name and a child's illness or delayed speech. There is therefore no need to harbour any doubt or worry on this matter.
For your daughter's health, it is important that she receive a proper medical evaluation and that her speech therapy and any other necessary treatment continue regularly on the advice of specialists. May Allah grant your daughter complete health. Ameen.
Allah the Almighty knows best.
Darul Ifta Al-Ikhlas, Karachi.
رد المحتار: (418/6، ط: سعید)
وكان رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم يغير الاسم القبيح إلى الحسن جاءه رجل يسمى أصرم فسماه زرعة وجاءه آخر اسمه المضطجع فسماه المنبعث، وكان لعمر رضي الله عنه بنت تسمى عاصية فسماها جميلة.
المنجد: (ص: 589، ط: دار الاشاعت)
الضحیٰ: چاشت کا وقت جب کہ سورج خوب چڑھ ایا ہو، سورج، بیان۔