Why when people convert to Islam do they change their name?

Question

For example, some guy is in the papers today - born a Christian names Brian Young, then converted to Islam and changed his name to Umar Islam. Is it a requirement for all muslims to have a certain kind of name? are there no muslims called 'Bob' or 'Steve' for examplle??

Answer 1

Thank you for this question,

There is no requirement for converts to Islam to change their name in any way. As others have said, there are many converts who do retain their birth name.

One should never change one's name on a whim. One's name is something that gets repeated to one over and over again each and every day. This causes impressions that go far beyond the simple meaning of the word. In many cultures the idea that names have meanings has been lost. For instance the name David, in hebrew means beloved of God. And now, in many cultures names that are totally made up and without meaning are being given. This results in people who are being called nonsense every minute of every day of their lives.

Many people who convert and choose to take on another name do so for a variety of reasons but the one I most commonly hear is that they want to begin to establish their Muslim identity. This has its positive aspects and negative ones. The most important way to establish one's Muslim identity is not by name or dress, but rather by the way one behaves in society and the way one follows the religion.

By the way, converts to other religions also change their name - I was recently in India and had a wonderful taxi driver there named John, he changed his name to that from a very Hindu sounding name when he converted to being a Catholic.

Peace and Blessings,

Salim

Answer 2

There is no requirement that all Muslims must have an Arabic sounding name. It is actually all to follow culture and history. I have friends who keep their names and add 'Abdullah' to their names to indicate that they have embraced Islam.

However a very practical reason for having an Arabic sounding name is to be easily identified as a Muslim. This is especially important in the case of Muslim converts.

In case something happens to a Muslim convert in a case of life n death (although he might look caucasian), his name would indicate he is a Muslim and therefore be accorded Muslim burial rites etc.

Of course these days having an Arabic sounding name could put you in a spot, especially when travelling to the U.S. :)

Answer 3

Muslims in Indonesia (where I live) have varied names--Indonesian names or from other local ethnic languages, some Arabic, some Western, etc. (Just look at my name :-p It is not Arabic).

Choosing a Islamic name (usually from Arabic) is practiced by some to signify their journey into Islam and their intention to practice Islam fully, even by those born Muslim. Islam suggests its adherents to have names with good meanings, but no, changing one's name upon converting is not a requirement.

Answer 4

No it is not necessary .
Unless the meaning of the name contradicts the believes of Islam.
For example : when one of the early known muslims " Abd el Rahman Ibn Aouf " entered Islam , his name was " Abd Amr " Which means " the one who worships amr " so he had to change his name to a one which goes with what he believes , as no muslim who worships God can be named " the one who worships amr " P.S " El Rahman ( the merciful ) is one of the names of God in Islam .

But some who convert into Islam like to have names resembling the names of great Islamic characters .
You know the name " Umar " is the name of the second Kalif " Umar Ibn El Khatab " , he was a great person , I myself when i have a kid I will name him Umar inshaa alaa

Answer 5

It doesn't seem to be an obligation - there are converts who have kept their birth names.

Muhammad Ali believed that Cassius Clay was a 'slave name' and his new name was given to him personally by Elijah Muhammad, which is of course not typical. Other people have detected remnants of Christianity in their names that they want to be rid of, other people feel that their conversion represents a break with their old name and feel that a new name is a good way to commemorate it. Some people want to honour important Muslims by naming themselves after them.

In short, there seems to be a billion reasons, but it's not a requirement as far as I'm aware.

Answer 6

Interesting question.
Islam is the culture of the Arabs (specifically muslim Arabs of Arabia). A muslim from any country or race loses the identity of his local community or country. His holy land becomes Arabia, his holy language becomes Arabic (he may for example read the Quran in some other language but it is considered to be really and truly read only if it is read in Arabic), he & his women wear clothes that are similar to those worn in Arabia, he even prays 5 times a day bowing towards Mecca, his values and customs become those of the Arabs, his first loyalty is towards the Islam of the Arabs.... (I am of course talking of practising muslims).
Incidentally this is the reason why it is not possible for muslims to integrate in the true sense with people of other religions & cultures.
Islam in other words, is cultural imperialism of the Arabs.
The ultimate in act such cultural subjugation is to to change one's name to that of an arabic one such as Mohammad, Omar, Osman .....Got it.

Answer 7

That is because Islam like most other religion tends to impart exclusivity and pomposity on their believers. Thats why religion is part of the roots that create disharmony among the people of this world.

Answer 8

convertion means fresh birth in religion,thus new name so the name depends upon the mullah who beptised them,so as mentioned by u,these names too r there in islam,to show that the incumbent is changed/converted one ,it all depends upon one's individual acceptence,but the matter as a whole is wrong.

Answer 9

coz they use arabic names that defines them as muslims. a muslim name for muslim people. your name's meaning really has an effect on u as a person therefore, choose a good name and u get good effects. and yes, they do change thier name to a muslim name.

Answer 10

I don't know anything about Islamic beliefs but maybe they are simply changing their names to suit the language their religios community speaks?