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Saudi Arabia Bans Names Violating Islamic Law For Public Facilities

January 3, 2026

New regulations ensure all public facility names across the Kingdom, prohibiting terms that contradict Shariah and restricting the use of Allah’s Most Beautiful Names.

Photo by Ahmed Shahwan

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Key Takeaways

New Shariah-based rules govern naming of all public facilities in Saudi Arabia
Prohibits any names contradicting Islamic law and teachings
Restricts use of Allah’s Names to seven specifically permitted ones

Saudi Arabia has announced new Shariah-compliant regulations governing the naming of public facilities across the Kingdom.

The new framework, published in the official Umm Al-Qura Gazette, establishes that any name for a mosque, school, hospital, or government building must comply fully with Islamic law and teachings.

The regulations, which take effect 120 days after publication, apply to all publicly owned facilities including mosques, educational institutions, cultural centers, and transportation infrastructure.

A core principle mandates that “any names that contradict Islamic Sharia are explicitly banned”.

Key Islamic Provisions in the Naming Regulations

Shariah Compliance: All facility names must conform to Islamic teachings and principles
Asma-ul-Husna Restrictions: Use of Allah’s Most Beautiful Names is limited to seven specifically permitted: Al-Salam (The Source of Peace), Al-Adl (The Just), Al-Awwal (The First), Al-Nur (The Light), Al-Haqq (The Truth), Al-Shahid (The Witness), and Al-Malik (The Sovereign)
Royal & Leadership Names: Facilities cannot be named after Kings, Crown Princes, or foreign leaders without the King’s direct approval
Individual Integrity: When naming after individuals, authorities must verify the honoree’s Islamic conduct and moral standing

Each government entity must develop implementation procedures aligned with these Shariah principles, with final approval resting with department heads.

The regulations also require maintenance of comprehensive databases of facility names to ensure ongoing compliance.

Saudi Arabia

Maisah

Maisah is a Muslimah and journalist for The Islamic Information based in Indonesia. Studying Law at Maritime University of Raja Ali Haji. She believes in the power of words and hopes that her articles will positively impact all of her readers.