Question: 

I'd like to know whose right it is to give a new born babies name? 

Answer: 

The father has a greater right to name the baby due to the fact that the child follows the lineage of the father. Allah Ta'aala states in the Quraan;

Trans:- Call them by the names of their fathers. (Surah Ahzaab)

Also, Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam had personally named his son. The narration of Muslim Sharif states, “A child was born unto me last night and I named him after my father Ibrahim.”

حَدَّثَنَا سُلَيْمَانُ بْنُ الْمُغِيرَةِ حَدَّثَ نَا ثََبِتٌ الْبُنَانُِِّ عَنْ أَنَسِ بْنِ مَالِكٍ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللََِّّ صلى الله عليه وسلم وُلِدَ لَِِ اللَّيْلَةَ غُلاَمٌ - - فَسَمَّيْتُهُ بِِسْمِ أَبِِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ ) صحيح مسلم(

In the following narration, Abu Moosa Radhiallahu Anhu says, “I had a baby boy. I brought the child to Rasulullah sallallahu alaihi Wasallam who named him Ibrahim and made his Tahneek with a date.” From this narration we learn that we could request a pious Alim or a pious personality also to name the child.

عَنْ أَبِِ مُوسَى قَالَ ولِدَ لِِ غُلاَمٌ فَأَتَيْتُ بِهِ النَّبَِِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم فَسَمَّاهُ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَحَنَّكَهُ بِتَمْرَةٍ. - - ) صحيح مسلم(

However, there is no hard and fast rule in this regard in terms of Shariah. If the child’s mother chooses a suitable name and both parents are pleased with the name then such a name may be adopted for the child. Both parents should agree on a suitable name for the child and the naming process should not lead to a dispute or argument.

And Allah knows best!

ANSWERED BY: Mufti Mohammed Desai 

CHECKED AND APPROVED BY: Mufti Muhammed Saeed Motara Saheb D.B 

Date: 07 Rajab 1441 

English Date: 02 March 2020