Hey everybody!
If you wish to skip the story then look for the swaddle symbol for the name! Otherwise I'll try my best not to bore you. So my partner and I are from very different paths in life. My OH was born in London, like me, but hes originally from Afghanistan/Pakistan and he grew up over there. Hes Muslim.
I am half English and half Israeli my Father is Jewish and my Mother Christian. Israel has always been like my second home and I love it over there.
Were not your conventional couple many people think its weird that were together when theres so much conflict between our worlds (his country is pretty open about wanting to destroy mine for example ).
Anyway, were in love and its not weird to us. But finding a baby name that is meaningful to us both, in light of this, is a struggle!! Its non-negotiable, our baby will have a Muslim name as this is mandatory in Islam, and he/she will also take his family name. Ive also agreed that the middle name can be his Fathers name, as thats really important to him.....Until this moment I had today I felt like it was impossible to have a piece of my history, roots in there.
So what did I come up with?
Dun dun dunnnnn......
Israa.
This is a Muslim name meaning Nocturnal Journey which for some reason sounds really romantic and pretty to me.... the full meaning is Nocturnal journey from Makkah to Jerusalem as this was a journey made by the Prophet Muhammad according to Islam. Of course, Makkah is the Holy city for Muslims, and Jerusalem is the life, heart, soul, breath of Israel....... what more, Israa is spelt somewhat like Israel, and for the cherry on top, Israa is the name of the 17th chapter (surah) of the Quran and 17 is my lucky number. The Prophet took this journey on the 7th month of the Islamic calendar and 7 is my other lucky number. I actually bought a mobile number that has 7 number 7s in it, one of which is a 17 sad I know! Anyway, I think its quite a cute name its short, not old fashioned or religious sounding, and its easy to pronounce and spell. It also has a double a which my OH and I have long been fans of.
Finally, I feel like shed be more than new life, but a human bridge of peace.....as weve connected and bought these two worlds together.
Im probably way over analysing this !
Anyway, if I can have your thoughts please good or bad, hatred or love they would all be appreciated! J