Changing Muslim Name to English Name in the West

19-9-2001 | IslamWeb

Question:

We leave in US and my name is "Talal Abdul Mumith". This name is give by my parents. In all legal documents my name is still "Talal Abdul Mumith". For convince for the American business community I have changed my name to "Troy" an English name instead of "Talal". So that it is easy for the people. Is this ok in Islamic point of view. Please comment.
Answer:

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) is His slave and Messenger.

In principle all names are lawful in Islam unless there is an Islamic text stating the contrary. So, if the new name with which you are now called does not have any bad connotation, like honoring the Kufr or its beliefs, or being in contradiction with any Islamic ruling, beliefs, and verdicts, then there is no harm in being called by it, especially if there is an interest in doing so, and if your changing your name will not lead to giving up more important things.

Anyway, the Muslim should not imitate the non-Muslims nor should he live among them except for a dire necessity.

For more benefit on Muslims living in non-Muslim countries, please refer to Fatawa 81142, 88291, 377986, 81642, 369667, 81464 and 89879.

Allah knows best.

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