“What’s in a name?”: Examining the leader’s identity guided by their name
– Finding purpose and inspiration in the names we carry
MY NAME IS HASANNUDIN
Not everybody knows the meaning of the name their parents gave them. How important is that?
In the play Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare, the expression “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by another name would smell as sweet” argues that it doesn’t matter.
To me it didn’t really matter for a long time, until I dug into the meaning and gave it my heartfelt interpretation:
As in the above video clip, yes, I give meaning to my name: “Beautifully ascending in the service of God.” It raises my motivation! 🚀
To serve God, I serve His creations. I behave as a servant and slave (abd) to the the Master/Lord (Rabb). Servant leadership is “leading” with the ultimate purpose of pleasing Allah.
DOES YOUR NAME MEAN MUCH TO YOU?
Muhammad
The most common name among Muslim men is probably Muhammad, since it’s the name of our last Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him). It carries the meaning of praiseworthy. He was also given the nickname Al Amin, the trustworthy.
If your name is Muhammad, you would want to be identified as praiseworthy (and not blameworthy).
Amin, Aminudin, Din/Deen
My own trustworthiness is important to me as a coach. I also hang out in a circle of trusted advisors.
Lead others with trustworthiness! Followers find trustworthy leaders to be credible, consistent, intimate and not self-oriented (see The Trust Equation).
Aminudin is the name of my surviving (alhamdulillah) elder brother.
In Malaysia it is common in Muslim men’s name to have the word din or deen connected to the first word. Din or deen means the comprehensive way of life that encompasses beliefs, character and deeds, rather than just seeing and practicing Islam in the narrow sense of “religion.”
I see how my brother, Aminudin as an elder always (even from my childhood) leading as a trusted guide who is ever-willing to help me and others, as his way of life.
Whether he’s been deeply religious or not, his character and his name are congruent. My brother’s lived-values demonstrate his connection to the the values and principles in Islam.
Said, Saidin
My late dad was Saidin. The word said (actually pronounced sa-‘eed) means happy, lucky, fortunate, blessed or joyful. He was all that, in connection to his din/deen.
He was the true family leader. I wrote about Dad and his bicycle. Dad raised 8 kids to success on his small income, and how he inspired me!
Khadijah
Khadijah, being wife of the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) is a popular female Muslim name. An elder sister of mine is Khadijah.
The word means respected or dignified. My sister (I also call her Kak and she calls me Adik) retired as a matron nurse (the most senior leader in nursing) at Putrajaya Hospital a few years ago. Even now she and all the people she brings to the hospital get the “green lane” – nurses and doctors there remember her!
Nur, Noor, Nor
Nur means light or radiance and is often the first word or prefix for people’s names, especially female.
A younger sister of mine is Noor Akma, meaning radiant and perfect. She’s always perfect for me!
WHAT IF YOURS ISN’T A “MUSLIM NAME”? WHAT IF THE NAME HAS NO MEANING?
Whether “Muslim name” or not, almost all names can be traced to their original meaning from whichever tradition and culture.
I take it that all parents give their children good names.
I wouldn’t want to be called Syaitan, Satan or Lucifer. (Is that why the Red Devils team that I support have not been winning? 🤨)
My wife’s name is Marsila and it doesn’t have a specific meaning. Since the name was nice sounding and was a name of a royalty in Pahang state in the 1950’s, her parents gave her that name. Okay, she is my queen. 👑😉
WHAT’S IN A NAME?
I am not saying that we are necessarily the identity of our name.
I gave a few random examples of meanings of names, especially of my loved ones and come to think of it, they embody their names!
The point is, just like when I look at my name I become spirited, especially us being leaders, we can source inspiration and purpose if we put meaning to our name.
Insha Allah.
