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The question

Is it permissible, in Sharia, for a Muslim to keep his Western name that he was compelled to adopt in non-Islamic countries in order to enter his country and see his family, considering his repeated attempts to change it, and the resulting problems in dealing with some Muslims?

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Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 20261 min readAlso available in العربية
The answer

The default ruling for changing names is permissibility, to a good or better name. It may even be obligatory if the name contradicts Islamic creed, such as "Abd al-Masih" (Servant of the Messiah). As for changing an Islamic name to a non-Islamic one, it falls under imitating non-Muslims, which is prohibited. However, if there is a necessity, such as entering your country, then the warning does not apply to you, though there is sin involved unless necessity truly compels it. What is obligatory upon you is to repent and strive to officially reclaim your Islamic name, or at least use it in your dealings with people.

Summary from Ftawy's records · added here

Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.

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Where this answer came from
Source platform
Ftawy
Original fatwa ID
66722
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.
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Read the full answer on Ftawy