Rayan

Rayan and/or Rayyan are names of Arabic origin. According to Islamic tradition, one of the doors to paradise is referred to as “Al-Rayyan” or “Ar-Rayan”. Entry is only rewarded to those Muslims who take fast for Allah during the month of Ramadan. The Hadith tells us that inside heaven is a door to a special area of paradise reserved especially for those who fast solely for the sake of Allah. This particular door, or gate, is called Ar-Rayan and roughly translates to “that which satisfies one’s thirst” in honor of the Muslim who surrenders his thirst and physical desires to Allah during Ramadan. Only those who praise Allah through fasting as they should are allowed to enter this gate to paradise; no one else need apply. Behind the Ar-Rayan, the good Muslim will receive all the succulent rewards in exchange for his faithful fasting. Those who do not fast for Allah are not allowed through Ar-Rayan. In Arabic, the word Rayan looks like ريّان. According to an Arabic dictionary we consulted, the word is said to mean either “chubby” or “succulent” – perhaps in reference to all the goodies behind Door #3 to Paradise. Rayan is also said to come from Sanskrit meaning “flowing” or “sated with drink” describing land which is rich with water (which is in keeping with the Arabic etymology). In some parts of India, Rayan is a title given to a person of authority or one who holds a certain amont of power over a province. As an Eastern-based name, Rayan hasn’t seen a whole lot of historical popularity in the Western World, but it is beginning to emerge on the list of baby boy names in various nations where Arabic or Muslim immigration is high. For instance, Rayan is a Top 100 name in Belgium, France, Quebec and Spain. It has also recently appeared on the Top 1000 list in the United States.