Baby girls names – Alishba and Mehwish
Keeping girl name as Alishba and Mehwish. Is it acceptable?
Also if grandparents doesn’t agree for certain name what should parents do?
Answer
Wa’alaykum as Salām wa rahmatullāhi wa barakātuhu,
The scholars have differed with regard to the origin of the name ‘Alishba’.
According to some, it may have originated from the Biblical name ‘Elisheva’, whilst others have stated that it originated from Hindi.
Apart from its origin being uncertain, we do not advise such a name for the fact that many people would not recognize a person with a such a name to be a Muslim, and this aspect should be given due importance specifically if one lives in a non-Muslim country.
The aforementioned would also apply in respect to the name ‘Mehwish’, as some have stated that it originates from Sanskrit (the primary sacred language of Hinduism).
We highly recommend that one keeps any of the names of pious women mentioned in Qur’ān, or even the name of those females who were from amongst the companions of the Prophet ﷺ, or the name of any other pious woman for that matter, as many a wise scholar have stated that the name of a child may also affect the nature and temperament of a child.
Lastly, whilst the parents reserve the right to name their child, they should also seek consult from their parents which will bring much blessings and guide the decision in the best direction, for the best outcome. If there still remains a difference regarding which name to keep, then the family should work towards a compromise, seeking the assistance of a religious scholar.