Changing a name to cure physical illnesses

Question

Question: When some man or woman falls ill, the respected spiritual guide says that the name given to this sick person is very bad and that by changing his name he will get well. Ignorant people accept this and change his name. Is there any proof for this anywhere, or is it shirk?

Answer

Changing a name that is contrary to the Shari‘a is established by the noble hadith. But changing a name that conforms to the Shari‘a in order to treat physical illnesses is not established.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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