THE DAILY ISLAMIC REMINDERS. Yaumul Ahad, 27th day of Rabeeul Awwal 1444AH (Sunday 23rd October. 2022).

SHOULD I CHANGE MY NAME AFTER JOINING ISLAM?.  BismilLah.  

AlhamdulilLah for guiding us to Islam. When you become a Muslim you don’t have to change your name unless its meaning is Islamically objectionable.  The Prophet did not order anyone who accepted Islam to change their names. Since Arabic names generally have meanings, he did change names with offensive or religiously objectionable meanings.  And if the name is Islamically objectionable, then it is recommended to take a Muslim or Islamic name but not compulsory.

Even if your first name does contradict Islamic principles and changing it in official documents would cause you much distress or harm, then it suffices to change it amongst family and acquaintances

If you do change your name, do not change the family name or your father’s name, even if it be an impermissible name, but just your first name. ALLAH says in the Quran:

“Call them (adopted sons) by (the names of) their fathers, that is more just with ALLAH.” (Quran 33:5). Family names must be maintained even after marriage. We are not permitted to change our surname even after marriage unless just for documentation sake to travel to your husband or wife. May ALLAH keep guiding us all and protect us from any satanic influences. Aameen.