anNaqi

anNaqi is an Arabic-derived epithet meaning “the pure” or “the spotless.” It is used in Muslim communities as a given name or surname, and it appears in several transliterations, including An-Naqi, al-Naqi, and An-Nāqi. The form is often adopted to express a connection to qualities of purity and piety attributed to religious figures.

In Shia Islam, anNaqi is most closely associated with Ali an-Naqi, widely recognized as the tenth Imam of Twelver Shi’ism. He is venerated for his knowledge and spiritual authority, and his life is placed in the 9th and 10th centuries CE. The imam is traditionally commemorated for his teachings and leadership, and his tomb is a notable pilgrimage site in Samarra, Iraq. Because of this association, the epithet anNaqi has influenced naming practices within Shia communities and has been used as a kunya or part of longer names honoring the Imam.

Beyond religious contexts, anNaqi appears as a cultural given name and surname in various Muslim-majority countries, including Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, and other regions with Arabic or Persian linguistic influences. Variants and nisbas based on the root Naqi are common in personal naming, reflecting the enduring cultural and religious significance of the term.