Is it true that when you become a Muslim you have to change your name to an Arabic name?

Some people do that. It is necessary only if there is something wrong in the name itself from Islamic point of view.

Is it true that when you become a Muslim you have to change your name to an Arabic name?
Short answer: If the name does not contain something bad (such as worshipping other than Allah), the name does not need to be changed.





Q: Is it mandatory for one who newly embraces Islaam to change his or her name?





---------Quote-----------------------


A: al-hamdu lillaah.





He or she is not required to change his or her name unless it embodies the worship of someone or something other then God, Allaah. However, its amelioration by choosing a new Islamic name is legitimate and encouraged. The fact that he or she would change his or her name from a pagan or non-Islamic name to an Islamic one would be considered commendable--however, it is not mandatory.





Thus, if one's name is Abdul-Messiah (i.e Slave of the Messiah), for example, or similar such names, then he is obligated to change it, as the Prophet (peace upon him) had people with the names Abdul-Ka'bah (Slave of the Ka'bah) and Abdul-Uzzah (Slave of Uzzah, which was an idol) change their names upon accepting Islaam.





If the original name does not comprise or imply anything forbidden in Islaam, then he or she is permitted to retain it (such as the name George, for example). As noted, though, it is preferable to change it to an Islaamic name, as this also distinguishes him or her from the kuffaar.





Note that if changing one's name in official documents and records poses a great inconvenience, it would suffice to change it among the people. In this case, he or she is called by his or her new name by friends, acquaintances, and the general public, while offical documents would retain the original given name.


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I also heard of a tradition where the Prophet Muhammad changed somebodies name because it was 'hardship'. He said "Your name is now 'Ease'". But that person refused the change, and Prophet Muhammad allowed him to keep his old name.
Reply:yes.





lou alcintor = kareem abdul jubar.





cassius clay = mohammad ali





the british shoe bomber = some arabic whatever





the current terrorist muslim who was american = whatever name he


has put in his news announcements that muslims will kill all americans, british, etc.





my niece now has some weird name. was pretty, now wears towels and junk all over. her hubby is a real tyrant, too.


i told her to dump him. she will if he keeps thumping on her.


take the kids, send him back to kuwait.





len






Reply:My ex inlaws (Muslims) attempted vigorously to coerce me into legally changing my entire name to something Arabic. However--most hadiths and commentaries on the issue I could find stated that this was not an absolute necessity. Discussions I had with other normal Muslims also revealed that this was not normally mandatory.
Reply:no, you are allowed to keep the name your parents gave u.





only time u would be required to change your name is if your name was our 1Creator.





read the Qur'an http://www.quranexplorer.com/quran/





Sami' Allahu liman hamida. Rabbana lakal hamd.





Allah hears all who praise Him. Our Lord, for You is all praise
Reply:I think so. Once you're Muslim you HAVE to do as they say. You have to dress that certain way too. If you don't then you are not a true Muslim.
Reply:Peace and blessings be upon you.


I ve never heared that it is necessary but i heard that many great people from those who converted changed their names.
Reply:H陌 谋m muslim and its not true that you have to change your name.
Reply:Not necessarily.Only if you want to.
Reply:No you keep your birth name.





Thats just a racist rumor.
Reply:Not true at all.
Reply:Yes.
Reply:no.

cornflower