Why is Mohammed the most favourite boys name ?

[modeller]

Christians don't name boys Jesus so I wonder why Mohammed is the most favourite boys name.
It is the first or second amongst all boys names not just restricted to the Islamic world.
You would think being that he is supposed to be the last and greatest of all the prophets his name would be revered not giving to any Tom Dick or Harry or should I say Muhammed , Mohammad or Mahammed.

[birdie1971]

Is the correct spelling and pronunciation of a thing that doesn't exist important?

Arguing whether Allah, Yahweh, Yashmeh, (or any other spelling) is the correct name with which to describe 'God' is a nothing but an exercise in historical linguistics – a fun but ultimately pointless exercise.

To answer the original question - the Islamic religion has a tradition of emulation of its prophet. Not only are muslims encouraged to emulate the prophet Mohammed in his actions and philosophy but they are also encouraged to emulate his appearance as well.

The old adage, "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery" is the reason why so many muslim lads are given the name Mohammed – it is veneration by emulation.

[beso]

The glyph "J" in Spanish is the letter Hota.

Just because they pronounce Jesus as Hey-sus in Spanish speaking countries does not mean it is not the same name. Hardly surprisingly the Lord's name is pronounced Hey-sus too.

Except of course where they call him Emanuel. According to the Old Testament the new prophet's name was supposed to be Emanuel. So some places they use this name.

[ummmm]

Do they Doc?

[beso]

Yeah but don't draw a picture of the Prophet of Islam.

In many Western countries we are far more comfortable with images of the Christian prophet than using His name for out kids. The Moslems are the other way inclined.

[beso]

Mary, Maria, Marion and a plethora of variants.

[ummmm]

My daughter has Marie...

[sp1814]

This may sound like I'm being sarcastic, but I'm not - this is the most informative thread I've ever read on AB. I've found out five things I never knew!

[anotheoldgit]

If one said to a Muslim called Mohammed,

"Mohammed, sod off", would it be more offensive to the person or to the prophet?

[Ankou]

aog i guess, and i am sure you could have used your own noddle to work it out, that...

if you direct it toward the man, then he might be offended
if you direct it toward the prophet, then islam might be offended

..you are of course welcome to test my theory for each scenario.

[naomi24]

Steve, //we haven't had a Catholic dominated country since 4AD// Where on earth do you get your mis-information from?

As has already been said, plenty of Christians in other countries call their sons Jesus. In fact I think Madonna had (and might still have for all I know) a boyfriend called Jesus. Quite appropriate that really. Madonna and Jesus. Nice couple. :o)

[modeller]

birdie // emulate his appearance as well.// I don't know exactly what you mean by this but to my knowledge no images of any sort are allowed . That is why all the mosques are decorated using that beautiful Arabic script.

I agree with sp1418 this has been a highly informative thread. I spent several years in the Middle East but I have learnt a lot more in the last couple of days. Thank you all .

[birdie1971]

^^^ Although graphical depictions of Mohammed are forbidden, he has been described in a number of religious texts as having a full beard. While it's certainly not obligatory for muslim men to grow beards, it is a popular practice among many for the reason I gave earlier.

[boxtops]

Not many people know that, steve - the common belief is that the CofE didn't start until Henry VIII broke away. It's well described here http://en.wikipedia.o...the_Church_of_England

I could still take issue that it's the Church IN England rather than CofE (i.e. Protestant) as we know it today, but it's certainly an interesting point of discussion.

[naomi24]

Sorry Steve - I'm with Boxtops here. The Church IN England didn't break with Rome until the 16th century.