Changing one’s name

Nasihah (Advice): Changing one’s name

There are many Ahadith which indicate that the Prophet of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) changed the names of some of his companions due to the names being unpleasant or inappropriate. For example, he changed the name of Barrah to Zainab. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith #: 6192, Narrated by Abu Hurayrah)

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Question and Answer:

Q.Assalamu Alyaykum. I would like to ask about changing Islamic name to the another one. Are there any special rituals?

(Question published as received)

1. There is no prescribed ritual to be performed when it comes to changing a person’s name. If a person has an unpleasant sounding name or a name that has a bad name, he should change his name by adopting a good Muslim name that has a good meaning. (al-Mau’su’ah, Vol: 11, Pg: 337)

The procedure of changing one’s name is simple and straightforward. There is no special procedure like Azaan to be called out or Aqeeqah to be done. The name should just simply be changed and he should inform those who he interacts with that this is his new name.

And Allah Ta’ala Knows Best

Mufti Suhail Tarmahomed

Confirmation:

Mufti Moosa Salie