Saudi bans 50 baby names…or do they?

On the 16th of March it was reported by multiple foreign and domestic news agencies that 50 names had been banned across Saudi Arabia for any parents wishing to name their children them.

It was reported that these names fell into four categories (reasons for the prohibition of them). These are the categories:
1. Names the Ministry of Interior deemed blasphemous. Names such as Abdul Rasool (worshipper of the prophet) were included in this category as under Islam the teaching is to only worship God and not the prophets.

2. Western influenced names. These include names like Linda, which although common in the West were apparently perceived to be too Western for the Islamic state.

3. Names relating to the Royalty of the Kingdom. Amir (prince) was on the list in this category.

Another interesting name that appeared on this list is Benyamin, an inter-religious name which is a common Muslim name in some countries. It was rumoured that this name had been prohibited as it was seen as a clear connection to an enemy of Saudi Arabia, Benyamin Netanyahu.

However within days of these reports, the Ministry of Interior seized the opportunity to quash the rumours with a statement explaining that there had been no such prohibition and no plans of doing such in the future. They did however emphasise that any names are lawful as long as they adhear to the Islamic law which is in effect in the Kingdom.