Official Portrait of U.S. President Barack Hussein Obama
Hussein/Husayn (5-61 Islamic Calendar/624-680 AD) or better: al-Husayn.
It is a common Arabic name, meaning "good looking boy". Historically, Hussein is the second son of Ali and Fatimah, and grandson of the Prophet Muhammad. He is revered by Shi'ites and Sunni Muslims alike. Both sects see his death at the battle in Kerbala, Iraq in the (10th Muharram 680 AD) as a religious holiday.
Many other famous and infamous people have carried the name Hussein. Some of them include Iraqi dictator Sadam Hussein, platinum rapper Hussein Fatal from Tupac's Outlaw Immortals, King Hussein of Jordan and America's newly elected President, Barack Hussein Obama.
For more information on the name Hussein:
The Concise Encyclopedia of Islam by Cyril Glasse
Each week we will discuss another name, its meaning and the people who share it to spread knowledge of the stories behind Arabic names and, in our own small way, help lessen uninformed prejudice against people with such names.
The Arabic Names Project is written by Adisa Banjoko.
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