Back to search

Does changing one's name and lineage constitute disavowal of the father, and is the father entitled to disavow them and deprive them of inheritance, or does this merely fall under the category of filial disobedience to the father? What is the ruling of religion and Islamic law in this case?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

If the children knowingly ascribe themselves to other than their father, they have committed a grave sin, for the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "No man claims to be the son of other than his father – while he knows it – except that he has disbelieved." This stern warning and admonition does not permit the father to disown them or disinherit them. Rather, he must strive to nullify this false ascription and restore their lineage to him. He must also strive to reform them and teach them their religion. If he is unable to do so after expending effort, then there is no blame upon him, for Allah Almighty says: "Allah does not burden a soul beyond its scope."

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

Read the full answer on Ftawy