ESL Blogs

Sometimes a question crosses a common mind that why things are named. There are some reasons for naming things:

Identification
People name things in general and human beings in particular to identify and recognize them and make them known to others. We differentiate among things and human beings on the basis of their names and special qualities. Science of name is called 'Nameology'. Allah created this science before creation of human being. When Allah intended to create human being and wanted to show superiority of him, He taught Adam (PBUH) names of things and asked him to tell angels their names. Tho Holy Quran says:

'' And when your Lord said to the angels, 'I am going to create a deputy on the earth!' They said, 'Will You create there one who will spread disorder on the earth and cause blood sheds while we, along with Your praises, proclaim Your purity and sanctify Your name?' He said, 'Certainly, I know what you do not know.' And He taught Adam the names, all of them; then presented them before the angels, and said, 'Tell me their names, if you are right.' They said, 'To You belongs all purity! We have no knowledge except what You have given us. Surely, You alone are the all-knowing, all-wise.' He said, 'O Adam, tell them the names of all these.' When he told them their names, Allah said, 'Did I not tell you that I know the secrets of the skies and of the earth, and that I know what you disclose and what you have been concealing.'' (Surah Al Baqarah, Verses 30-33)

So, Adam identified and recognized things by their names.

Reference

Things and human beings are named for easy reference. When we want to refer something in our conversation, we use their names only. That single reference relieves us from unwanted and unnecessary details. As when we want to refer to the tower of Paris we mention Eiffel Tower, which makes us free from stating other details. 

Not for Bigotry 

As we name things and human beings individually, in the same way we name groups of people, which are called tribes, races and nations. This division into tribes, races and nations is for identification too. That is, certainly, not for prejudice and bigotry. We all are human beings and equal in our rights. The superior among us is the one who is the most pious. This is what Allah the All-Merciful said in His holy Book:

''O mankind, We have created you from a male and a female, and made you into races and tribes, so that you may identify one another. Surely the noblest of you, in Allah’s sight, is the one who is most pious of you, Surely Allah is All-knowing, All-Aware.'' (Surah Al Hujrat, Verse 13)

If you review our world's circumstances right now, you will come to the conclusion that all of the wars and conflicts are due to bigotry and loving tribe, race or nation. So, we should avoid such bigotry and prejudice.