I am American, and relatively new to Islam (reverted about 6 months ago) and I'm still learning. My name given to me by my parents is a name used in Greek pagan mythology (Damon), and I am wishing to change it. Now, I have only ever heard of people taking Arabic names as their new, Muslim name. I was wondering if it is permissible or common to choose, for example, a Bosnian or Chechen name? Now, I think Arabic names are beautiful, but I'd like a name closer to my ancestral home, and Bosnia and Chechnya are the closest Muslim areas to where my ancestors came from. Also, would it be offensive to people from Bosnia or Chechnya if I took a Bosnian or Chechen name but was not really from there?
Assalamu alaikum, first congratulations on your reversion to Islam. I reverted to Islam 26 years ago, but only decided to legally change my name 4 years ago. My reason as that I wanted to be known as a Muslim. Your reason is a good one too. I assume from your post that Damon was a mythological god of the Greeks, if that is so then it is good to change your name.
it's good idea to change your current name.. the name shouldn't contain name of god coz that's shirk...
u can choose any names as long as it's good meaning.... such as ahmad, muhammad, adeeb, hakeem, aneef, ali, or names of prophets and their companions... that will represent u as a muslim.., insya Allah
it's good idea to change your current name.. the name shouldn't contain name of god coz that's shirk...
u can choose any names as long as it's good meaning.... such as ahmad, muhammad, adeeb, hakeem, aneef, ali, or names of prophets and their companions... that will represent u as a muslim.., insya Allah
Congratulation on you conversion, May allah keep you in the right way......ameen
If you would like to change it to Bosnia or Chechnya name try to find a name with a good
meaning in sha allah
So, how would that work? The construction of the name, I mean.
Hasaam Udeen *currentlastname*?
That is correct. Islam places very high value on family ties and your last name should remain. the only exception would be if you had an offensive last name.
When getting a name, these are a few things to think about.
A) The name should not contain anything rude or bad in it. Such as 'Asiyah (meaning sinner)
B) The name should not contain anything declaring self piety, such as Birr (piety)
C) The name should not be associated with any disobedient people, like Ramses etc (the pharao)
D) If the name is only used by one religion, we should not take that name such as Christian etc
E) Names such as Asad-u-Allah (the lion of Allah) should be avoided aswell
F) If taking non arabic names, the meaning of the name must firstly be known, if there isnt any problem with the meaning one should look into what type of people take this name, is it only non muslims? Then we should leave it off, if not there is nothing wrong with the name
As a final not we should try and abstain from doubtful matters, and if its possible for us we should take Abdullah and Abdur-Rahmaan as names, because as our prophet mentioned these are the most beloved names to Allah.
Now, I have only ever heard of people taking Arabic names as their new, Muslim name. I was wondering if it is permissible or common to choose, for example, a Bosnian or Chechen name?
Yes, it is allowed as long as it has a good meaning. You can take an Turkish or Albanian name for example, it's not up to the ethnic roots if it's a valid name.
Now, I think Arabic names are beautiful, but I'd like a name closer to my ancestral home, and Bosnia and Chechnya are the closest Muslim areas to where my ancestors came from. Also, would it be offensive to people from Bosnia or Chechnya if I took a Bosnian or Chechen name but was not really from there?
No, why would they? When asked by an Bosnian about your name, you could explain how you reverted and chose to take an name closest to your ancerstral home. A chance for dawah and also an good ice-breaker.
“If only I had checked myself”
—
Guy who wrecked himself
True leaders don't create followers...
.... They create new leaders.
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