Question.... Why do converts get an Islamic name?

Question

Hi.

Just a quick one, why do people who convert to Islam get Islamic names? What is the purpose and who chooses them please?

Just curious. Thanks

Answer

First: a convert shouldn't change her name officially. It's a name she uses when getting into contact with muslims. For her family she remains her old name. Her parents named her, and it's the right of the parents to remain naming her like this.
Secondly: it's only compulsory when the name has an unislamic meaning. If not, then the girl chooses if she wants/needs this or not.
Thirdly: converting means entering a new life. You do not change 100% but you do change some characteristics and ideas, which makes you feel you've entered a new phase of your life. Unlike other life changing events like puberty, this one is one shared with a community. Me for example I felt the need to change my name. I felt I wanted to follow this new life with a new beginning. As if I had a second chance in life, or a second life. I felt the old me has some characteristic mistakes I wanted to get rid of and not be rememberd at it by the old name with all the old life baggage.
So my sisters in religion call me a name, and my parents call me another.
The girl can choose her own name or let someone else choose. I had the advantage of being able to translate my name into Arabic. So in fact my name didn't change, I just changed the language of my name.

Answer

There is no requirement to change your name if the meaning of your existing name is not inappropriate or offensive in Islam. So my name is Emma and I never legally changed it when I converted. It's a personal decision - my father named me and the name means a lot to him for the reasons he chose it, and I am very close to him so I never wanted to upset him in any way. Me converting to Islam was hard enough for my parents. I didn't want them to think that I was trying to erase the childhood and upbringing they gave me because to me that would be verging on disrespect. That's not to say that if I had a name which was inappropriate I wouldn't change it - of course I would have. My duty to Allah comes first. But seen as it wasn't necessary, I thought it was better not to. Plus, I've always liked my name anyway and it's what my husband first knew me as.

However, when we got married my father in law liked the idea of me having a Muslim name as well, so he came up with Saima, which means 'person who fasts'. I was actually really happy that he did this because it showed me that I was accepted by my in-laws. I always introduce myself as Saima when I'm with other Muslims, but remain Emma with my family and for anything legal.

It works for me :)

Answer

Hi ammut! You know I've always wondered this.   Did a quick google and from what I could gather it is not required to change your name unless it's something against Islam.

I think people may just want to have a fresh start?

Some mentioned that it might come from just wanting to fit and blend in the community.

A name is an important thing. It carries meaning. When you have a child you must give a name that has good meaning. It may come from this.

I believe in the end it's just preference.

Question.... Why do converts get an Islamic name?

Let's Glow!

The Top Baby Tracker App: Embrace New Beginnings with Tender Care

The Top Fertility Tracker App: Your Path to Achieving Pregnancy

The Top Pregnancy App: Nurturing Your Journey to Motherhood

The Top Period Tracker for Empowering Your Menstrual Health Journey