Is name changing a must when converting to Islam?

Question

When someone converts to Islam, is it a must that they change their names? Where in the Quran is this supported (Only Qran verification not Hadith, I don't trust hadith)?

Can you Give me good muslim names (female), which starts with P, C and K?With there meanings. Thank you

Answer 1

Is it obligatory to change one's name if its meaning is not good?.


Answer :

Praise be to Allaah.

Names have meanings, as the saying goes, and every person is influenced by the meaning of his name. So a person should be given a suitable name that has a good meaning, so that he will be influenced by his name.

Ibn al-Qayyim said:

Because names have meanings, it is wise that there should be a proper connection between the meaning of the names and the object that is carrying the name. It should not be the case that the meaning is not suited to the object and there is no connection between the meaning and the object, because this is what is decreed by the Most Wise, and reality testifies to that. Indeed names have a great impact on the objects to which they are applied, and the objects that carry these names will definitely be influenced by these names, whether these names are good or ugly, whether they refer to meanings of lightness or heaviness, kindness or cruelty.”

Zaad al-Ma’aad, 2/336

Hence the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to change bad names to good ones.

It was narrated from Ibn ‘Umar that a daughter of ‘Umar was called ‘Aasiyah (disobedient), but the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) renamed her Jameelah (beautiful). Narrated by Muslim, 2139.

The ruling – changing names to good names – has to do with what is mustahabb and preferable; it is not obligatory or binding.

The evidence for that is the report narrated by al-Bukhaari (6190) from Ibn al-Musayyab that his father came to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and he said, “What is your name?” He said, “Hazn (meaning rough).” He said, “You are Sahl (meaning easy).” He said, “I will not change the name that my father gave to me.” Ibn al-Musayyab said, “And we have had roughness (in character) ever since.”

Roughness means being harsh and difficult to deal with.

Ibn Battaal said:

This shows that improving names and changing names to something better is not something that is obligatory.

Fath al-Baari.

And if it had been obligatory, the Sahaabi would not have refused to change his name, and the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) would have compelled him to change his name.

And Allaah knows best.

But if the name carries a meaning implying servitude to someone other than Allaah, such as ‘Abd al-Nabi (slave of the Prophet) and ‘Abd al-Maseeh (slave of the Messiah), and the like, then these names must be changed, because it is not permissible to be a slave of someone other than Allaah, and because all of creation belongs to Allaah and is subjugated to Him.

Ibn Hazm (may Allaah have mercy on him) said:

The scholars are agreed that every name which implies servitude to someone other than Allaah – such as ‘Abd ‘Amr or ‘Abd al-Ka’bah and so on, is haraam.

Fath al-Majeed, p. 531

And Allaah knows best.


Islam Q&A (www.islam-qa.com)

Answer 2

According to Al-Quran Chapter 49 Verse 11 a Muslim is a person who does not give bad names to others. What ever name you are holding if it have a good meaning than there is no need to change it. It is not compulsory to change a name rather it is customary for recognition only and nothing to do with being a Muslim. Depending upon your ex-faith If you were Christian you may call yourself Mariam, if you were a Jew then 'Sarah', if you were a Buddhist or other religion you may name yourself as you wish but the names must be having a good meaning.

Answer 3

Changing names is not a must. This is based on early Islam days where Islamic leaders forbid non-muslims from taking some certain Islamic names.

Islamic female name starting with "K" is "Khadoja", who was the first wife of prophet Muhammed.

Answer 4

Islam does not care what the name is, as long as you are a true Muslim, I know a lot of Muslims with foreign names like Natalie, and others.
But it would be nice if you had a name with an Arabic or Muslim meaning, the letters P and C do not exist in Arabic, as for the letter K I know the name Karma, Khadijeh, Karam, Kareema. Good luck

Answer 5

Alhamdulillah..May Allah's Guidance be With You Always sister :) Regarding ur question, it is NOT A MUST for a convert to change their names. In fact, I have many Muslim-born friends with non-Arabic names for example Diana, Julia, Sarah. The Arabic names given to most Muslims is to take after great individuals in Islam's history for example my name is taken after The Holy Prophet's wife (Saidatina Aishah r.a) OR to mean good things for example Farah means 'Happiness'. To search for good names, click on these :

http://www.islamfortoday.com/female_names.htm

http://www.milligazette.com/misl/muslim_islam_islamic_baby_names_girl_boy_name.htm

http://muttaqun.com/muslimnames.html

Answer 6

I don't recall anything in the Qur'an that would dictate a name change for a convert. I mean, if you're named after some foreign goddess, or your last name means 'beer brewer', or something else that is haram, no doubt you'll want to change.

Muslim names for females:

http://www.islamicity.com/Culture/Names/female.htm

Muslim names for males:

http://www.islamicity.com/culture/names/default.htm

There do not appear to be any starting with P or C - only K.

Answer 7

i don't think it's a must, just that it makes identification easier for you. muslims form one family, and it's easier for you to be identified as a muslim if you have a muslim name. also, non muslims are not allowed in Makka. if you decide to go to hajj you'll need to identify yourself as a muslim i think. but i'm not sure you have to have a muslim name. Allahu alam.

you should trust hadith, just be extra careful of the sources because they've fabricated many. still, the original hadith complements the Qur'an so you shouldn't reject it altogether. to believe the hadith and follow the sunnah of our prophet is a must and it goes hand in hand with Qur'an. don't let stupid lying fools distract you from your religion. they invent many lies and you should pray to Allah to save your soul from falling for big fat lies.

Khadeejah is the name i have in mind. google it for more they've plenty websites dealing with this.