However, nicknames can cause embarrassment and hurt to the individual who is on the receiving end, especially when the nickname is attached to a particular action or trait of that person.

Hence the nickname becomes a lifelong reflection of a certain event in a person’s life rather than his/her inherent character.

Calling people by nicknames should not be the habit of a Muslim. Our parents give much thought and consideration and often take advice from Ulama on choosing suitable/meaningful/ significant names for us.

Allah Ta’ala says: “O’ You Who Believe! Let not a group scoff at another group, it may be that the latter are better than the former. Nor let women scoff at other women, it may be that the latter are better than the former. Nor defame one another, nor insult one another by nicknames. How bad is it to insult after having Imaan. And whosoever does not repent, then such are indeed oppressors.” (Surah Hujuraat)

The above verse from the Noble Quran clearly warns us to desist from using nicknames as it is not indicative of Imaan and that our habit to do so is indeed an act of oppression.