Fatwa ID: 22644
Title: Changing Name after Embracing Islam
Category: Varieties
Scholar: AMJA Resident Fatwa Committee
Date: 10/14/2012

Question

I`ve declared my conversion to Islam. Do I have to change my given name that is registered in my birth-certificate into an Islamic name?


Answer

It is permissible for those who embrace Islam to get a new Islamic name as the Prophet (PBUH) changed the names of some Companions. He changed the name of Abu-Alhakam into Abu-Shureih, the name of Barrah to Gowaireiah, and the name of ‘Asiah to Jamilah. However, this is not necessary unless the original name has a forbidden meaning like the names starting with `Abd (servant) and followed by a word other than “Allah” like Abdel-Maseih (servant of Jesus) and the like. Moreover changing the name of the father is not obligatory.