Naming Children

[Reader Questions]

Salam

What is the true Islamic practice of naming children? Should they have common surnames, known by their mothers or fathers?

Regards.

[Joseph Islam]

Salamun Alaikum,

The Quran is clear that children should be known by their true parentage and known by their fathers (abaihim 33:5). If the fathers are unknown, then they are brothers in religion and your 'mawali' (friends, clients, kinsfolk, inheritors etc) (33:5).

I hope this helps, God willing,

Regards,
Joseph.