Q:
I made a vow that if Allah grants me a son, I will name him Ra`ad (thunder),
after the name of Surah (Qur'anic chapter) Ar-Ra`ad (The Thunder). (Part No. 10; Page No. 473) Actually, I intend to get an honorable name for my son in hope that he will not fall into the sins I experienced in my life. Now, as the time of my child's birth, Ra`ad, approaches; many people warn me about using this name. So, what is your Eminence's opinion about this name, given that I offered Salat-ul-Istikharah (prayer of guidance) many times and saw good visions about my son which brought me comfort; one of which is seeing him committing the Qur'an to memory in a short time. Please I need your Fatwa on this issue, may Allah reward you.
A:
The case you have mentioned comes under the vow of doing something permissible. If you like you can give him this name, and if you wish to change it you can do so but will have to expiate for the oath. You must free a bondsman, or feed ten needy persons an amount of one kilo and half of food for each one, or to provide them with ten garments, one for each; and if none of the previous is possible, you must fast three days.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.
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Naming one of one's...
