Q: I was Hindu and married a Muslim guy and converted now. I want to know is it mandatory to change name to Islamic name? I heard many YouTube scholar speeches where they say it isn’t necessary to change the name. If it doesn’t have any bad meaning of something related to other religion, my name has no bad meaning nor it is Sanskrit name. It isn’t Hindu name at all and it doesn’t associate any other gods names too. Please reply, they have changed my name for marriage purpose and have affidavit but I don’t want to get it changed in documents as I also heard that we can visit mecca by just having proof of conversion and affidavit and marriage certificate. Please advise. I’m emotionally very much attached to my old name.
A: Yes, it is mandatory.
And Allah Ta’ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
Answered by:
Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)
Q: But as I seen in YouTube doctor zakir naik videos and other scholars confirm that there is no need to change the name if it doesn’t have bad meaning which has negative effect on Islam, as my name itself doesn’t have any bad meaning then why do I have to change and this name is not from any Hindu scriptures too?
A: If you are asking and referring to us then we still advise you to keep a proper Muslim name.
And Allah Ta’ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
Answered by:
Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)