Title: Calling Pets with Human Names Question: Is it ok to name your pet, say a cat, a "Muslim name" or is that considered insulting the name/religion? Zahraa Canada Answer: I could not understand what exactly do you imply by 'Muslim Names'. If what you really mean is 'Arabic names', then there is no harm in doing so. You may call your cat or dog or any other pet by any name, even one which has its roots in the Arabic language. On the contrary, if what you imply is whether or not you may name your pet with a name of a Muslim personality, then I would not recommend your doing so. Furthermore, I would equally 'not recommend' naming an animal with the name of any 'personality' irrespective of the religious affiliations of that personality. A human being, to whichever religion or creed he may ascribe, deserves our respect, as any other human being. Naming an animal with a name of a known personality can easily be construed as insulting 'humanity'. Our Creator has given us - humans - an elevated position in this world. We must value and cherish this elevation that God has granted us and not degrade ourselves by giving animals the names, which are generally given to humans. I hope this helps. Regards, Moiz Amjad September 5, 2001