Hamza

What does Hamza mean?

Hamza is an Arabic name associated with the Prophet Muhammad's uncle and companion. Wiktionary also records a rare, obsolete noun of the same spelling meaning ‘lion’, providing a lexical basis for that association. ‘Strong and steadfast’ is an interpretation attached to the historical figure rather than a definition in the cited entry. The name's historical connection and the dictionary's lion sense are useful to retain, with that distinction clear.

Source: Wiktionary, حمزة. How we use sources.

Spelling and pronunciation

حمزة is read ham-za, in two syllables; हमज़ा is a Hindi rendering. Hamzah is an alternative Roman spelling. Arabic begins with a ḥ made deeper in the throat than English h, while South Asian readings may use a plain h. The written final h need not be sounded separately.

Also spelled Hamzah.

Hamza in tradition and story

Hamza ibn Abdul-Muttalib was the Prophet Muhammad's paternal uncle and a warrior in the early Muslim community. He was killed at the Battle of Uhud and is honored with the title Sayyid al-Shuhada, ‘chief of the martyrs’.