Keeping The Name “Abu Mahudhurah”

QUESTION:

We are considering keeping the name of the prominent Sahabi and Muadhin of Makkah Mukarramah, Hadrat Abu Mahdhurah Radiallahu Anhu, for our newborn son. However, we would like to keep the name as “Muhammad Mahdhurah” and want to ensure this is correct?

ANSWER:

Hadrat Abu Mahdhurah Radiallahu Anhu was appointed as a Muadhin by Nabi Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam in Makkah Mukarramah. The scholars differ regarding his name. According to Imam Bukhari and Imam Nawawi, his name is Samurah. According to Hafiz Ibn Hajar, his name is Aws. He passed away in the year 59 A.H. (Isti’ab v. 4; Sharh Sahih Muslim v. 4, p. 82).

Now, coming to the queried scenario, to keep the teknonym (Kunyat) of the above-mentioned Sahaabi, Abu Mahdhurah, is permissible. However, you should not keep the name “Mahdhurah” only. Rather, you should keep the entire teknonym, viz. “Abu Mahdhurah“, as keeping only the name “Mahdhurah” will be naming your son after his son’s name and not the Sahaabi’s teknonym.

الاستيعاب في معرفة الأصحاب (1/ 121)
قال الامام النووي انهم كانوا يسمّون بأنبيائهم والصالحين قبلهم (شرح مسلم 117 ج14)

ALLAH TA’ALA ALONE IN HIS INFINITE KNOWLEDGE KNOWS BEST!

ANSWERED BY:

Mufti Abdul Kader Fazlani

Date: 16 Safar 1448 / 31 July 2026

CHECKED AND APPROVED BY:

Mufti Yacoob Vally Saheb