The name Mohyeddin holds a special position for certain Muslims,[1][2] assuming a dual identity as both a personal name and an honorific title within the Islamic tradition.[3] Throughout history, this appellation has been embraced by Islamic historical figures and scholars, encompassing sufi-mystics, philosophers, and theologians who played pivotal roles in shaping the landscape of Islamic thought and culture.[4] A prime illustration of this is found in the 12th-century Andalusian Muslim scholar, Ibn Arabi, also acknowledged as Mohyeddin Ibn Arabi.[5]
In Islamic culture, the selection of a name often carries cultural and familial significance.[2] Some parents choose the name Mohyeddin, a decision that reflects the linguistic aesthetics and meaning of the name.[9][10]
Mohyeddin serves as both a first name for boys,[1] and a middle or family name among Muslims,[9][11] especially in the Middle East, South Asia, and Southeast Asia.[12] The name has found its way into various languages and scripts, including Arabic, Persian, Urdu, and Ottoman Turkish, with different spellings and pronunciations emerging due to linguistic differences, historical influences, or local naming customs.[9]
The flexibility of the Arabic language[13][14] allows for different forms and spellings of Mohyeddin to emerge in diverse Muslim communities. Variations may arise due to linguistic differences, historical influences, or local naming customs. For instance, one might encounter Mohieddin, Muhyiddin, or Mohiuddin as alternate forms of the name.[15]
Combining the name with other names or titles
The name Mohyeddin exhibits its versatility as it integrates with religious titles and additional names, creating meaningful appellations. In Iran and Persian-speaking regions, the combination of the name Mohyeddin with the religious title Seyed results in the identity of Seyed Mohyeddin. Similarly, the historical figure Ibn Arabi,[16] a 12th-century Andalusian Muslim scholar and mystic, is also known by the name Mohyeddin al-Arabi.[17] Furthermore, the 14th Sultan (king) of Brunei, Muhyeddin ibni Abdul Jalilul Akbar,[18] commonly recognised as Muhyiddin of Brunei,[19] exemplifies the extended use of the name Mohyeddin in combination with other elements.
Mohyeddin in intellectual fields
The name Mohyeddin has been embraced by some scholars and writers exploring different facets of Islamic literature, philosophy, and theology. Among these thinkers, Mohyeddin Abu Saeed Muhammad Neishabouri[20] (1083–1153) stands as an Iranian jurist and author, known for works like Al-Intsaf fi Masael al-Khilaf and Al-Mohit fi Sharh al-Vasit.[21] Moving through history, Mohyeddin Muhammad,[22] commonly known as Aurangzeb (1618–1707), emerged as the sixth Mughal emperor of India, who played an important role in shaping the region's history.[23][24] Transitioning to the Islamic Golden Age, Muhyieddin al-Maghribi[25] (c. 1220–1283) was a Spanish-born Arab astronomer and mathematician. Affiliated with the Maragheh observatory in the Ilkhanate,[26] his significant contributions include The Book on the Theorem of Menelaus and Treatise on the Calculation of Sines.[27] Furthermore, Muhieddin Lari (d. 1526), Persian writer and author of the famous book Futūḥ al-Ḥaramayn[28][29] was another historical figure and scholar in the Islamic world.[30]
Mohyeddin as a religious title
The designation of Mohyeddin as a title carries religious connotations within Islamic theology, rooted in the concept of tajdid (renewal).[31] Those bestowed with this title are recognised for their efforts to revive and rejuvenate the spiritual essence of Islam. This title expresses a commitment to the continuous improvement of one's faith and the active pursuit of righteous living.[32]
As a title, Mohyeddin encapsulates the idea that the essence of Islam is not static, but evolves through the dedication and efforts of individuals striving to revitalise its teachings for contemporary contexts. The dual nature of Mohyeddin as both a personal name and a religious title is one of the beauties of this proper name in Muslim communities.[33]
^علیاکبر, دهخدا،; شهیدی, تألیف علیاکبر دهخدا، [زیر نظر محمد معین و جعفر (1372). لغت نامه (in Persian) (2 ed.). تهران: مؤسسه انتشارات و چاپ دانشگاه تهران،. ISBN9789640396162.
^O'Connor, J.J.; Robertson, E.F. (1999). "Muhyi l'din al-Maghribi - Biography". Maths History. MacTutor. University of St Andrews. Retrieved 2024-01-16.
^Addas, Claude (2018). Ibn Arabi: the voyage of no return. Translated by Streight, David (2nd ed.). Cambridge: The Islamic Texts Society. ISBN978-1-911141-40-2.
علیاکبردهخدا، and شهیدی تألیف علیاکبر دهخدا، [زیر نظر محمد معین و جعفر (1372). لغت نامه. [online] library.sharif.ir. مؤسسه انتشارات و چاپ دانشگاه تهران،. Available at: http://library.sharif.ir/parvan/resource/266797 [Accessed 9 Jan. 2024].