Is it necessary to change one's name after converting to Islam?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
Changing one's name after converting to Islam is not obligatory unless the name implies servitude to other than Allah (such as Abd al-Masih — servant of the Messiah), in which case it must be changed because it contradicts (monotheism). However, if the name is ugly (like Harb — war) or contains a commendation (like Al-Zahid — the ascetic), it is recommended to change it, but not obligatory, because Islam encourages good names and prohibits self-praise. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, changed the name Barrah to Zaynab.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/55071
Where this answer came from
- Source platform
- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 55071
- Added here
- . This is when the answer was added to El Fatwa, not the fatwa's date.
- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy