What restrictions apply to the naming conventions (Kunā) used by Dhimmis?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Jizya
Primary text
Dhimmis are forbidden from using the Kunā (appellations starting with Abu or Umm) reserved for Muslims, such as Abu al-Qāsim, Abu 'Abd Allāh, Abu Muḥammad, Abu Bakr, Abu al-Ḥasan, and similar names. However, they are not entirely prohibited from using Kunā altogether, as evidenced by the Prophet's addressing of Sa'd ibn 'Ubādah by referring to 'Abu al-Khābāb,' and his address to the Bishop of Najrān as 'Abu al-Ḥārith,' and 'Umar's addressing a Christian man as 'Abu Ḥassān.' Furthermore, Aḥmad permitted a Christian physician to be addressed as 'Abu Isḥāq.'