Parenting Perspective 

A child’s name is a core part of their identity, dignity, and sense of belonging. When others consistently mispronounce it, children can feel embarrassed, silenced, or pressured to simply accept the mistake. By coaching them on how to correct mispronunciations kindly but confidently, you can protect their sense of self and teach them that respect for a person begins with their name. 

Teach Them a Polite and Firm Script 

It is helpful to give your child a few simple and polite lines to use, such as, ‘Actually, my name is pronounced [name].’ Encourage them to offer a warm smile while they are speaking, as this can soften the correction without undermining their confidence. 

Practise Through Role-Play 

You can act out different scenarios at home, pretending to be a teacher, a peer, or a new friend who is saying their name incorrectly. Allow your child to practise repeating the correction until it feels natural and not confrontational. This preparation can make a real difference in a live situation. 

Reinforce the Importance of Their Name 

Say to your child, ‘Your name is a beautiful part of who you are. Correcting someone when they say it wrong is not rude; it is your right.’ This simple affirmation can strengthen their courage to speak up for themselves in a respectful way. 

Offer Your Support Publicly 

If a mispronunciation happens in front of you, you can model the correction on their behalf by saying, ‘It is a lovely name, and it is actually pronounced [name].’ When children see their parents advocating for them, they feel more secure and confident in doing it for themselves. 

Over time, this approach teaches children that self-respect and respect for others can coexist in the way that we use our words. 

Spiritual Insight 

In the Islamic tradition, a person’s name is seen as a vessel that carries their honour and dignity. It is a trust that should be treated with the utmost respect. 

The Honour and Dignity of Names in Islam 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Hujuraat (49), Verse 11: 

‘…And do not insult each other; and do not call each other by (offensive) nicknames; how bad is it to be called by nefarious names after the attainment of faith…’ 

This verse reminds us that our names are a significant part of our honour, and that misusing or mocking them is an act that undermines a person’s dignity. 

The Prophetic Value Placed on Names 

It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2132, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘The most beloved of names to Allah are Abdullah and Abdur-Rahman.’ 

This hadith teaches us that names matter a great deal in Islam. They are a reflection of a person’s identity and an important part of how we relate to one another with respect. 

By empowering children to correct the mispronunciation of their names in a kind and confident way, parents are mirroring this deep Prophetic respect for names. Their children learn from this that protecting their identity is a part of protecting the unique dignity that Allah Almighty has given to them.