Questions about Islam and converting

[redblackmask]

Hi,

So, I have been thinking of possibly converting to Islam. I have a few questions that aren't really answered by Google, so maybe you guys here can help me out.

If I do convert, would my name have to change? I notice that a lot of Islam converts change their name.

Do all Muslim women wear a hijab? In some photos, some women are wearing hijabs and others aren't.

How do Islamic states treat non muslims in that state?

And how many times do you pray a day?

[UmmSqueakster]

Hi,

So, I have been thinking of possibly converting to Islam. I have a few questions that aren't really answered by Google, so maybe you guys here can help me out.

Welcome to the forum and (hopefully) to islam! I maintain a list of links and resources that I think may be helpful to newbie muslims and people interested in Islam here - http://rahma.hadithuna.com/converts/ - if you’d like more resources.

If I do convert, would my name have to change? I notice that a lot of Islam converts change their name.

Not unless your name is blatent shirk (associating partners with Allah) or unislamic. Converts do tend to get pressured to change their name, but it’s totally not a necessity. The Prophet (saws) would change the names of his companions if their names meant something negative, but otherwise, Muhammad was Muhammad before islam, so why can’t I remain Jennifer? I’ve been a muslim for more than 7 years, and I still often get asked what my “muslim” name is. I smile and tell them I’m a muslim and my name is Jennifer, so Jennifer is my “muslim” name.

Do all Muslim women wear a hijab? In some photos, some women are wearing hijabs and others aren't.

No, all muslim do not wear hijab. But, all muslim women should wear hijab. If we look at the consensus of the people of knowledge throughout history, there’s a strong consensus that women should wear hijab.

Now, I tend to think hijab gets a lot more emphasis then is warranted. Modesty in dress and actions are an important part of the faith, but not the only part. If a convert does not feel comfortable donning hijab right away, I don’t pressure. Getting one’s prayers in order should be the priority, imho, and once they do that, they’ll feel stronger in their iman (faith) and will be able to put on hijab when they’re strong and ready.

How do Islamic states treat non muslims in that state?

It really depends on the state. But, I think we should really look at how the Prophet (saws) and the early muslims treated non muslims, as I don’t think modern muslim states do a very good job. Muslims paid zakat, non muslims paid jiziya. Muslims were the subjects of sharia, non muslims were subjects of their own religious courts. Muslims were the protectors of the non muslim subjects.

And how many times do you pray a day?

At a minimum, there are 5 fard (required) daily prayers. Beyond that, there are many sunnah prayers that were the habit of the Prophet (saws) to pray. They are recommended, but not required.

[islamlover_girl]

If I do convert, would my name have to change? I notice that a lot of Islam converts change their name.

according to the tradition of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) it is not required Islamically, except in the following two cases:

If the name implies a form of disbelief, like `Abd-ush-Shams (the slave of the sun) or Saint Clare, etc. I would suggest that people keep the part of their names that do not contradict with their Muslim belief. For example, `Abd-ush-Shams should be changed into Shams, and Saint Clare should be changed into Clare, etc.

If the name implies a form of aggression or is a shameful name (according to one’s culture). The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) asked a few companions to change their names, such as Harb (which means “war”) and Sa`b (which means “difficult”), etc.

and It’s important to note that you must not change your family name (your last name).
in quran:
“Call them by (the names of) their father’s, that is more just in the sight of Allah…” (Al-Ahzab 33:5)

Do all Muslim women wear a hijab? In some photos, some women are wearing hijabs and others aren't.

Hijab is obligatory in Islam ,muslim women who don`t wear it r just non practising muslims ,may Allah guide all of them.

How do Islamic states treat non muslims in that state?

non-muslim live in peace in Islamic states as it`s not permitted in Islam to injure a non-muslim.Allah ordered us in quran to show them kindness and deal justly with them.
in quran:
(Allah forbiddeth you not those who warred not against you on account of religion and drove you not out from your homes, that ye should show them kindness and deal justly with them. Lo! Allah loveth the just dealers.)(Almomtahina 60:8)

And how many times do you pray a day?

five times a day.

[redblackmask]

Alright perfect response, all the info I need, thanks thanks. I have to admit, I have always believed in a Universal God but I'm still wrestling with the idea of converting to Islam. God will guide me! And thanks for your information.

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[Clover]

Hey, your Way of Life says your a Taoist. I am suprised their are others lol. I simply must have a discussion with you.

[Yanal]

Islam emphasizes that Muslims should have good names and give good names to their children. It is reported in a hadith that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said,
"You will be called on the Day of Resurrection by your names and the names of your fathers, so have good names." (Reported by Abu Dawud)
During the time of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) when people used to accept Islam, he would not require all people to change their names. He used to change only those names that carried wrong meanings or un-Islamic ideas and concepts.
The Prophet's wife `A'ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said about the Prophet, "He used to change bad names." (Reported by at-Tirmidhi)
For instance, `Umar had a daughter whose name was "`Asiyah" (meaning disobedient or rude). The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) changed her name to "Jamilah" (the Beautiful- see Sunan Abu Dawud, Hadith no. 4301)
Abu Dawud has mentioned many names of people and places that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) changed because they had bad meanings. (see Hadith no. 4305)
Imam al-Bukhari mentioned that Sa`id ibn al-Musayyib said that when his grandfather came to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), the Prophet asked him about his name. He said, "Hazn" (meaning Hard). The Prophet said, "You are Sahl. (meaning soft, easy)." The man said, "I do not want to change the name that my father gave me." His grandson Sa`id used to regret and say afterwards that they kept on experiencing the hardness in their family. (Reported by al-Bukhari)
One can only change one's own name, but one cannot change the family name or name of one's parents, unless they are alive and accept the change. So the new Muslims should change their first names, if they contain wrong or bad meanings. As far as their last names are concerned they should not be changed, because it is also forbidden in Islam to take the name of someone other than one's own biological father.
Allah says in the Qur'an, [Proclaim their real parentage. That will be more equitable in the sight of Allah. And if you do not know their fathers, then they are your brothers in the faith…] (Al-Ahzab 33: 5)