Names are a sensitive issue partly because people’s identities are so closely bound up with the name they choose to be known by.
In Auckland recently, a convert was asked, “What is your Muslim name?”
The short answer to such a question is, “I don’t need one.”
Many converts, however, are confidently told that they are required to have a ‘Muslim name,’ presumably Arabic.
Jurist pronouncement
So widespread is this assumption among born Muslims that Rocket Science sought facts from Shakyh Faraz Rabbani, widely regarded as one of the world’s most knowledgeable Hanafi jurists. He address the issue with Ustadh Tabraze Azam on seekershub.org.
His answer was consistent with other major scholars’ opinions.
They state clearly, “No, it is not necessary to change your name after becoming Muslim.” There are, however, exceptions and circumstances in which your name may, or even should be changed.
For example, it is a recommended Sunnah to do so if your name has an undignified or
Unbefitting meaning. Aishah reported that the Prophet used to change ‘bad names.’
It should also be said that, for those who wish to change their name, or add to their existing name(s), there is benefit in doing so.
Suitable Names
Suitable names to take include the names of Prophets, the great righteous men and women of Islamic history, and names indicating one’s belief in God, such as ‘Abdullah.’
It is highly disliked to take an ugly name or a name with a bad meaning, such as ‘Shaitan.’ Your new name and your birth name may be used interchangeably.
There is nothing wrong in having yourself referred to by more than one name.
Some converts retain their original name for professional situations and use their new name among their Muslim friends and family.
The questioner at the beginning of this article gave every indication that he believed it to be obligatory for converts to take a “Muslim name”.
“Who told you that you do not need a Muslim name?” he asked.
He should have drawn the vital distinction between what is obligatory and what is recommended.
He also proposed ‘Arabising’ the name in question.
There is an Arabic version of the name but it was pointed out to him that this would have been meaningless to the convert’s English-speaking parents.
Source: Rocket Science, Monthly Newsletter of Mt Albert Islamic Centre, Auckland
