Before you change your name...

[Ayah.Ehab]

Assalamu Aklaikom
It's common that many new Muslims decide to change their names to Muslims names when they convert to Islam.
So do you think:

a) You have to change your name to a Muslim name

b) It's your choice to change your name, but that's desirable

c) It's your choice to change your name.

d) You can't change your name

Well, in my opinion, I choose C. I've heard many sheikhs discussing that issue. In fact, prophet Mohammad didn't ask Muslims to change their names, and he never changed it for them, except for those who had bad names or names with bad meanings. For example, a woman was called Kabih'a (which means ugly), so the prophet Muhammad peace be upon him told her, from now on, your name is Gamila (which means pretty). So before you change your name, you should think about that Tell me what do u think

[ChokoJazz]

I believe this is my choice if i change my name or not. To be honest i like my name, and it doesnt bring me any bad memories or stuff like that ...
But because for some Muslims which i have already met it was quite difficult to say my name(same like its sometimes hard for me ), they call me Moona,cause its similar to mine

So feel free to call me Moona!


This is what i think, if i feel good with my name i dont need to change it.

I heard that most of people changes them names after enter Islam.
Myslef....(i`ll be little bit selfish )-adore my name .. my parents choose it for me and i respect it...and i was wondering-if i change my name, its like i became someone else, like i loose smth..this is how i felt. I dont have any problem if somebody call me Moona, or Choko, like my husband Alhamdullilah

Change which happened inside me doesnt mean that my name should change as well.
Now i feel like my life just start!

Do you agree with me?

[Ayah.Ehab]

I agree with u Moona!
thank u for sharing this.

[Suhaib_Jobst]

I would definitely lean towards the view that it is up to the convert. The only times when the name should definitely be changed is if it is a name implying shirk, which in any case does not concern most converts and especially those from Western countries, but rather some Arab Christians (i.e. "Abdul-Masih") or Hindus (those named after Hindu deities).

So if one doesn't have these few names which imply shirk, then why change your name? Does having a "non-Muslim" name make one less of a Muslim? Or is it simple historical fact, i.e. most Muslims come from countries where there was direct Islamic influence and hence adopted Arabic names which themselves became associated as "Islamic" names? Islam transcends cultures and nationalities; rather, it serves as a filter - rejecting that which is contrary to it but accepting without issue that which is good, beneficial or neutral.

In my own case, I adopted the Islamic name "Suhaib" for which I am known among the Islamic community, but I have not legally changed my name nor do I intend to do so. This is especially because, (1) my birth-name actually has a positive meaning compatible with Islam, and (2) out of respect for my parents, who have shown much tolerance towards my practice and belief in Islam.

[Nomadic]

Sample of Scholarly reverts name
1. Alimah Aysha Beweley
2. Imam Abdasamd Clark

From the above one can keep the family name like clark, beweley. but simply add a muslim name.
For instance David Burns can be modified to Dawud Burns.
Just make sure your name is not blesphmous or offensive.

[kayra]

Assalamu Aklaikom
It's common that many new Muslims decide to change their names to Muslims names when they convert to Islam.
So do you think:

a) You have to change your name to a Muslim name

b) It's your choice to change your name, but that's desirable

c) It's your choice to change your name.

d) You can't change your name

Well, in my opinion, I choose C. I've heard many sheikhs discussing that issue. In fact, prophet Mohammad didn't ask Muslims to change their names, and he never changed it for them, except for those who had bad names or names with bad meanings. For example, a woman was called Kabih'a (which means ugly), so the prophet Muhammad peace be upon him told her, from now on, your name is Gamila (which means pretty). So before you change your name, you should think about that Tell me what do u think

Somewhere between (a) and (b). We will be called by our name on the day of judgement. It is STRONGLY ADVISED to choose, or have chosen for us, a name with a good Muslim meaning. Otherwise our name could be the source of great shame on that day.

[Riyaaz]

Sample of Scholarly reverts name
1. Alimah Aysha Beweley
2. Imam Abdasamd Clark

From the above one can keep the family name like clark, beweley. but simply add a muslim name.
For instance David Burns can be modified to Dawud Burns.
Just make sure your name is not blesphmous or offensive.

Good point. But I am no scholar.

Muhammad Riyaaz Le Roux .......that's me!

[amar_labedi]

Assalamu Aklaikom
It's common that many new Muslims decide to change their names to Muslims names when they convert to Islam.
So do you think:

a) You have to change your name to a Muslim name

b) It's your choice to change your name, but that's desirable

c) It's your choice to change your name.

d) You can't change your name

Well, in my opinion, I choose C. I've heard many sheikhs discussing that issue. In fact, prophet Mohammad didn't ask Muslims to change their names, and he never changed it for them, except for those who had bad names or names with bad meanings. For example, a woman was called Kabih'a (which means ugly), so the prophet Muhammad peace be upon him told her, from now on, your name is Gamila (which means pretty). So before you change your name, you should think about that Tell me what do u think

Assalamalaikum warahmatullahi wa baraakatuhui

Thanks and regards

amar

[xs11ax]

i know a revert that changed his name.

not just his first name but his last name too.

he is now known as asif khan.