Although I have never had children, and at my age it is rather unlikely that I shall (hahahah)
- I am nonetheless developing almost a syllabus illustrating how it should, and actually, must be done, particularly here in Malaysia for reasons you shall learn.
The first step in the ‘education’ of the child is to name the child. In Islam, the naming of a baby is both a spiritual and communal event, rooted in the traditions of the Prophet (PHUH) and linked to gratitude for the new life Allah has given.
The most recommended practice is to name the child on the seventh day after birth during a ceremony – the Aqiqah. On this day the baby’s head is shaved. Charity is given in silver or gold equivalent to the weight of the hair. Sacrificial animals (two sheep/goats for a boy, one for a girl) may be offered if the family is able. The child is given their name.
It is also permissible to name the child immediately at birth. Parents are encouraged to choose names with beautiful meanings that reflect servitude to Allah or noble qualities. The names are announced in the presence of family/community. Naming is more than just an identity, it is considered a dua and a reflection of the child’s future character.
By the way, it is possible that a child’s name might be changed under certain circumstances, but we are not there yet. For instance if the name has a bad or inappropriate meaning, or if the parents decide on a better name.
There is another aspect. In Islam choosing a child’s name is often an aspiration and a prayer for the child’s future character. Parents see the name not as just not a level a duplication that their son or daughter embody the waltzes. The Prophet emphasized the importance of good names because names influence how others perceive the child and how the children perceive themselves. The name is seen as a compass pointing the child toward noble qualities.
Decided, there and the, I would ask Artificial Intelligence about my Muslim name.
Received excellent news immediately. It is a strong, uplifting name with deep meaning in Arabic and the Quran. Its literal meaning is Elevation, Nobility, Highness, Loftiness, Honor. It carries the sense of rising above, being distinguished and expressing excellence.
Wow! Mashallah Wait until you hear qualities associated with the name.
- Nobility and honor. Someone who holds themselves with dignity and inspires respect in others.
- Elevation and Excellence. Striving fr higher goals both spiritually and in worldly matters-not being content with mediocrity
- Gratitude for blessings. The name suggests a person who recognizes blessings and lives with thankfulness.
- Spiritual loftiness A person named Alaa is often seen as someone encouraged to rise in faith, to live above pettiness and to seek closeness with Allah.
In short, says Alaa carries the qualities of nobility, elevation, gratitude and honor. It’s almost like a built-in reminder to live with dignity and to see life through the lens of Allah’s countless blessings.
That is a great deal to live up to. It is actually absolutely fascinating as to how I got this name. The Islamic Center in Abu Dubai where I was able to ‘formally’ repeat the words in Arabic my Shahadah determined that the name I was given in October of 2020 was not Arabic – therefore I was given the name of Fatimah. Later, while living in Kohbar, Saudi Arabia a Muslim friend suggested the name Alaa, saying his aunt has the name. As I had not formally used Fatimah I was able to adopt Alaa as my name.
With all of this knowledge under my belt I deduced to ask Artificial Intelligence the meaning of Shamir (for some obscure reason, hahaha)
Received this answer.
The name comes from the Arabic trilateral root. Its primary meanings; Strong resolute, ready for action. Sharp or piercing. It can describe someone who is steadfast, alert, and prespared to face challenges.
A person named Shamir may be understood as ‘the one who is firm and unyielding or the one who prepares/strives with seriousness. In some interpretations, it is linked to bravery and determination
Symbolically it conveys unyielding strength.
Qualities Associated with the Name
- Strength and endurance – someone unshaken by difficulty
- Determination – prepared to strive and act decisively
- Sharpness of mind – quick, alert and perspective
- Bravery- willing to stand firm in the face of adversity
Artificial Intelligence, always eager to serve, volunteered to put the two names together side by side so I could see how the qualities of the names balance and complement one another.
AI: Would you like me to compare Alaa (Mobility, gratitude, elevation) with Shamir (strength, sharpness, resolve) side by side – almost like a name-character chart? It could be a neat way to see how the qualities complement one another.
Me: My goodness yes. You read my mind. Hahaha
AI: Hahaha I’m glad I did
This the short summary. Alaa: lifts upward pointing to higher ideals, blessings, nobility.
Shamir grounds firmly – representing strength , resilience and sharp resolve.
Together, they form a balance, loftiness with strength, gratitude with determination, honor with courage. It’s almost like Alaa is the soaring spirt and Shamir is the unshakable backbone.
Ever eager to serve Artificial Intelligence went on.
AI: If you’d like, I can also help you draft a blog entry around this experience.
Me: No thanks. It is done actually.
AI: Perfect. That’s even better – you’re ahead of me. I can only imagine how beautifully you’ve woven it into your blog, with your mix of humor and depth. I’m glad you could play a small part in helping you create something meaningful.
Such a strange progression of ideas. I begin thinking about raising a child in the Islamic Faith and I end up with this. (Whatever This might be). It is an interesting concept. Shamir and I laughingly call ourselves the Dream Team – our collaboration in many important arenas. Goodness knows what we might be able to achieve with the assistance of AI. Through in a GIF or two and we could perhaps conquer the world. Hahaha
This is where things are at right now. The baby gets named and then what happens? Mothers are traditionally given the responsibility of introducing their young into the Islamic faith. Mothers pray at home – fathers have the duty and obligation to worship in mosques.
Reading stories to young children has been shown to be SO important, particularly bedtime stories. When in KL, I purchased a number of children’s books, including a book of bed time stories. Decided one afternoon to do a practice run (so to speak). I was filmed reading a bedtime story. It is now on my Youtube channel. Go to Bedtime Stories by Alexis. It is not a selfie – as you can see. A cameraman was necessary and was available at that moment. It was Shamir. So there I am the soaring spirit and there he is the unshakable backbone – armbone anyway, a steady hand guided my iPhone.
A photograph of my Mojo breakfast, the delicious Turkish eggs. Then two showing the care and attention given to me by Muslim woman – a Lyf staff member providing first aid. The next day Emma, a Kashmir employee bandaged me up again. However, as you can see, I can still write. Also a photo of the bed time story book.
