I embraced Islam, but I like my name Aditi, do I have to change it?
A group of Indian Muslim girls at a school in Hyderabad training in the martial art of Wushu, a type of Kung Fu
Question:
Assalamalaikum, I got married to a Muslim boy and embraced Islam. I love Allah and believe only in Him. I am very happy with everything and feel Allah's presence with me everyday. The only problem is that i am very attached to my name Aditi. Can i keep it?
- Aditi
Wael's Answer:
Dear Sister Aditi, As-salamu alaykum wa rahmatullah,
Congratulations on embracing Islam and I can tell that you are a sincere and pious sister, ma-sha-Allah. May Allah bless you in your journey and grant you knowledge.
As for your name, I'm sorry sister, it's a cute name, but you should change it. I looked up the name Aditi and this is what I found:
"In Hindu mythology, Aditi was the goddess of the boundless sky. Her name means "free from bonds" and the Vedas hint that she was once all-encompassing. She undoubtedly pre-dates them, and was once the goddess of the past and the future, the seven dimensions of the cosmos, the celestial light which permeates all things, and the consciousness of all living things. Aditi, is considered an archaic Mother Goddess, depicted in Hindu, Vedic literature. She represents unlimited space and consciousness, hence infinity or eternity."
So although the linguistic meaning of the name is nice, the fact that it represents a Hindu "goddess" is troubling. It's not appropriate for a Muslim to be named after a Hindu god or goddess. Therefore I suggest you change it. You can find lists of Muslim names online. Here is one:
Muslim Girls' Names and Their Meanings
Choose a name that has a meaning that inspires you or moves you in some way. Think of it as a representation of your new dedication to Allah and your new life.
And Allah knows best.
If any readers have some additional advice for this questioner, I invite you to post your comments below.
(O Allah), Guide us to the straight path; The path of those whom you have favored; Not those with whom you are angry; Nor those who go astray.
Best regards,
- Wael Abdelgawad
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You don't have to change your name just because you converted to Islam.
You did not pick your name and it was given to you at birth.
Islam is a universal religion that works for every one. It does not matter where you are from or what language you speak or what name you have. You simply don't have to pick an Arabic name to convert to Islam.
I hope this helps.
I dont agree SIM. Go and study the term "Names forbidden in Islam". You can find enough knowledge on Net. The old was given at the time of her birth. But she was not muslim at that time.
In Islam Name has its significance and meaning do matters. And in science it is also shared that the selecting a name do effect the nature.
‘Aasiyah (Disobedient) - he changed her name to Jameelah (Beautiful and Good) (Reported by Muslim & Abu Dawud)
· He (SAW) also said to a man, "What is your name?" So he replied: "Hazn." (Roughness). So he (SAW) said: "Rather you are Sahl (Smooth)." (Reported by Al-Bukhari & Abu Dawud)
Read:
1. http://www.islamqa.com/en/ref/1692
2. http://www.zawaj.com/articles/names_prohibited.html
I hope this will help.
Remeber. I mean here that Islam dont ask the need of changing name. But it depends upon the meaning of your old name. That i say so requires change.
Assalamualaikum
I do agree that someone who converts to Islam doesn't need to change his/her name given at birth into an Arabic name as long as the real name doesn't represent something against Islamic value. but if you think that the name is against Islamic value then I think you should change it. although there is not specific rule about a name in Islam but a name is the pray of the parents to their children in the future.
it depends on you sister, if you don't want to have a name in Arabic then you can have a name in your own language as long as it has good meaning which is not against Islamic value.
Allah knows the best
Ya name can be in any lanaguge. Chosing something from Arabic is not necessary. But the meaning does has the importance.
Assalamu alaikum varah, dear sister islam is simple. You need not to change your name. Allah knows our heart. But, the meaning of the name is very bad. It destroys our faith. Mm, nothing problem. Because already i said allah know our heart. There are lot of muslima names. Pls you better select one from those. May allah bless you
i want to change the name of my daughter whose cuurent name is ZOMIA,
she was born on 8th of october 2004. so plz tell me her new name?
Arif, I have never heard the name Zomia before, except as an invented term for the vast mountain countries of Asia. Where did you get that name? What does it mean to you? And why do you want to change it?
Wael
IslamicAnswers.com Editor
dont worry sister u can keep ur name like but i am very happy that u convert 2 islam
Assalamu alaikum, Dear sister! Islam is simple. It is not a mandatory to change your name. Allah knows our heart. But, the meaning of your name is against Islamic teachings. Just one thing we should to aware as reported that the Prophet (PBUH) said: "On the Day of Resurrection, you will be called by your names and by your fathers' names, so give yourselves good names." (Hadith Abu Dawud)
It is important to bear in mind that, just because a name stems from a certain language or culture, this doesn't mean that it has a good Islamic meaning.
In fact, several companions of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) changed their Arabic names because the meanings of their names carried wicked connotations. For example, a companion called Harb ("war") changed his name to Silm ("peace"), and another called Al-Munba'ith ("one who lies") became Al-Mudtaji' ("one who stands up," i.e. for the truth)."You will be called by your name on the day of judgment"
Yet another reason to choose a name with good meaning. The prophet was very particular about this and always changed names that were derogatory. An example is when he changed the name of a companion from Aasiyah (disobedient) into Jamilah (beautiful).
May Allah give us his blessings.
kaukab
Assalam O alekum Aditi and all readers,
"Congratulation" Aditi, to all muslims i m very happy,
now u want ur name .... wel .... i will have to change ur name becuse u r now muslim and the name "Aditi" it's attach to hindu's and islam say La illah ha ill lal lah means no one equal allah no name no anything.
i saggest you for "Ayshaa" name it's realy wonder full meaning and valuable name.
i am happy to use this name .... allah bless you for you happy life Maqferatan.
allah hafiz
Assalamualikum
Can you plz help me.
My friends wife accepted islam, Her name is Pranati. Can you tell me should her name should be chagne or not.
If she want to change her name and get Arabik name it will be great. but if she do not want do it it is her choise. There is also one thing tell her about great woman of Islam I am sure that she will love it and if her husband will say her that he wants her wife be like wife of our Prophet (May peace be upon him) and they live like them she will change her name. Help us Allah my brothers and sisters
The name does not have to be changed to an Arabic name, rather any good name.
SisterZ
IslamicAnswers.com Editor
Assalammualaikum to all my brothers and sister.
May we all be in Allah blessing.
I want to make it short and simple. I believe it is better we change our name to Islamic (not arabic name,Islam is religion, arab is the ethnic,it's different). This is because, all muslim name is beautiful. AND ALWAYS REMEMBER, that everytime people call your name, it is a dua/prayer. Everytime people call your name, it is a blessing to you. So change your name I say, Allah prefer a good 'dua'.
Wallahualam. Jazakallah Kayran to all my brothers and sisters.
Salam,
my daughters name is Zubi she's just of 1 yr 6 mnths and someone told me its an abusing word in arabic.
Should i really need to change,the name is written on birth certificate too.
Please advise me,name reflects ones nature i beleive what should i do??