What is the ruling on a woman attributing herself to her mother, and sufficing with that instead of her father's name? Does this contradict the verse: (Call them by [the names of] their fathers)? And do the examples mentioned for some of the Tabi'in and Sahabah, such as "Ibn Taymiyyah, Ibn Buhaynah, Ibn Habtah, Shurahbil ibn Hasanah, Ibn al-Hanẓaliyyah, and Bilal ibn Rabah who was called Ibn Hamamah, and Muhammad ibn Ali ibn Abi Talib who was called Muhammad ibn al-Hanafiyyah," justify that?
A person must be attributed to their father, based on the Almighty's saying: "Call them by their fathers' names; it is more just in the sight of Allah." This is also a consensus among scholars. It is permissible to identify a person by their mother's or her family's name if the intention is solely for identification and renown, not to change lineage, and if no harm results from it. This occurred with some companions who became known by their mothers' names without disapproval from the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him. However, if the intention is to change lineage, or due to disliking the father, or feminist ideologies, or if it angers the father, then it is forbidden and falls under the category of disobedience to parents and deviation.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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