Changing one's name when accepting Islam

Q: I just took my shahada and became a Muslim Alhamdulillah. I have a concern about my name, the sister told me that I should have a new name - a Muslim name. But I don’t want to change it as it doesn’t have any bad meaning in Islam or any other languages.

I am aware that it’s not compulsory to change it but I wanted to confirm if I can keep my name.

A: Islam encourages you to come completely into deen. One of the requirements to be a good Muslim is that one should have complete loyalty with Islam. And complete loyalty with Islam requires that you don't do anything that has any connotation with other creeds and ways.

And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.

Answered by:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)