The Kunyah is for the Oldest Son

Question

Can we designate for someone the title “Abu (father of) Muhammad” even though that person has neither wife nor children?


Answer

It is allowed for a man or a woman to use such appellation, even without having any children, and even for relations that are less important than this. Like the case of Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, (which means father of cat) a title that was attached to him because he used to have a cat that he carried with him. Likewise, it is permissible for a young person who is not married to take a Kunyah, by using his father’s name or any other name.

However, it is better to be clear in this matter, by taking a Kunyah using one’s oldest son. Nevertheless, one does not have to do this, the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) used to call ‘'Aishah (Radhi Allahu Anha) Umm Abdullah (the mother of Abdullah) even though Abdullah bin Az-Zubayr was her sister’s son.


Ibn Jibreen


Reference: Fatawa Islamiyah Volume 8 Page 212-213