China bans Islamic names in Muslim-majority province

China has released new restrictions on the naming of children in the far western and mostly Muslim region of Xinjiang, banning ethnic minority Uighur parents from naming their newborns “Muhammad” or names that authorities say have “extremely religious” meanings.

The move is the latest in sweeping controls instituted in Xinjiang that authorities say are aimed at keeping the spread of religious extremism in check.

Analysts, however, say the hardline approach towards Muslims is not only fueling opposition in Xinjiang, but also stirring ethnic hatred nationwide.

Local governments recently rolled out a list of banned ethnic minority names that forbids dozens of religious names, such as “Jihad,” “Medina” and even “Yultuzay,” a reference to the star and moon symbol of the Islamic faith. (VOA)