Question

What was Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah’s name?

 

Answer

There exists major difference of opinion regarding the name of Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah (radiyallahu ‘anhu) as well as his father’s name. ‘Allamah Ibnul Athir (rahimahullah) has mentioned that no other name has such varied opinions and differences.

The following are some of the names cited by the biographers of Sahabah:

  1. ‘Abdur Rahman ibn Sakhr
  2. ‘Abdur Rahman ibn Ghanm
  3. ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Aaidh
  4. ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Amir
  5. ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Amr
  6. Sukayn ibn Wadmah
  7. Sukayn ibn Hani
  8. ‘Amr ibn ‘Amir

Hafiz Ibn Hajar (rahimahullah) has stated that many have preferred the first name (‘Abdur Rahman ibn Sakhr) with some preferring ‘Amr ibn ‘Amir.

Some narrations suggest that prior to Islam, his name was ‘Abdu Shams and Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) changed it to ‘Abdur Rahman.

(Refer: Al Isti’ab, vol. 4 pg. 332, Usdul Ghabah, vol. 6 pg. 313, Al Isabah, vol. 6 pg. 498 and vol. 13 pg. 29-38 and Taqribut Tahdhib: 8426)

 

Also see here

 

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

 

Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala

 

Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar