Answered by Shaykh Faraz A. Khan
Question: When building/modifying computer systems, one has to deal with components with names like: daemon/wpa supplicant.
And many times, things which may have pagan origins in their names, or make me feel uncomfortable. What is the ruling on using them, and how should we think about them?
Answer: Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah,
I pray this finds you in the best of health and states.
Such software is permissible to use. The problematic names are of tangential consideration.
In terms of how one should think about them, one can seek refuge in Allah Most High from the devil, and one can strive to be in a state of remembrance of Allah Most High while working.
For example, one can begin and end with dua to Allah, and make noble intentions for work itself, such as earning a lawful income; supporting one’s family; following the sunna of prophets (peace and blessings be upon them all), since their way was to eat from their own work; earning extra money to spend for the sake of Allah Most High; and the like.
And Allah knows best.
wassalam
Faraz A. Khan
Checked & Approved by Faraz Rabbani