Can a revert change their name and surname?

Question

Hi,

I'm sumit from India, Mumbai.

My question is that is it Permissible as a New Muslim/Revert to change my name and surname to a Islamic sounding name?

— Sumit, Mumbai, India

Answer

To change one’s own name to an Islamic name is perfectly permissible and in the case that the current name contradicts the Islamic faith, it is necessary to change the name. However, to change the surname to a name such as Khan or Shaykh which denotes ties to a particular tribe or bloodline to which he does not belong will be avoided. The Noble Prophet, may blessings and salutations be upon him states:

ليس من رجل ادعى لغير أبيه وهو يعلمه إلا كفر ومن ادعى قوما ليس له فيهم فليتبوأ مقعده من النار

“There is not a man who attributes [himself] to a father other than his own while he knows it, except that he has committed irreligiousness, and he who claims a people to whom he does not belong, let him take his place in the fire.”

[Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī: 3508]

To choose a name that does not imply ties to a specific tribe or lineage is permissible, and Allāh knows best.

Faqīr Sayyid `Abdul Ṣamad al-Qādirī · (may he be pardoned) · Jumādā al-'Ākhirah 14, 1446 AH