[Scotty]

I am a little bit confused about something and I have been since I took my shahada.

My name is Scott, but on my shahada certificate I was given the name Mohammed Yusef. I don't really understand that because I didn't ask for another name and I wasn't asked about it, it was just given to me. My stepdad didn't really know why I was given that name either because he wasn't asked or told about it. I only knew when I read the certificate after we had gone home.

So I don't know which name I'm supposed to use and because I'm white I don't feel Mohammed would suit me as a name, and I would get taken the mick out of at school for it.

[seeker]

Scotty, on 16 April 2012 - 05:23 PM, said:

I am a little bit confused about something and I have been since I took my shahada.

My name is Scott, but on my shahada certificate I was given the name Mohammed Yusef. I don't really understand that because I didn't ask for another name and I wasn't asked about it, it was just given to me. My stepdad didn't really know why I was given that name either because he wasn't asked or told about it. I only knew when I read the certificate after we had gone home.

So I don't know which name I'm supposed to use and because I'm white I don't feel Mohammed would suit me as a name, and I would get taken the mick out of at school for it.

Assalaamu alaykum! Welcome my brother in humanity and faith! May God give you ease, patience and guidance in all your difficulties.

Alhamdulillah, thanks be to the One who guided our hearts, and we ask God to send peace and blessings upon all His servants, particularly ALL the prophets and messengers, including Adam, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad. May God increase us in love for them all and help us to follow their way of piety, humility, and beautiful character.

As for the matter of the name, it is very simple. As long as a name does not have a BAD meaning, (eg. "Slave of Rama" or "Krishna" or something) it is fine to have any name whatsoever. It doesn't have to be an Arabic name, either. I tried searching online for a meaning of "Scott" but it seems to just be a Gaelic name (my own name doesn't really have a meaning either!). As such, there is NO PROBLEM whatsoever in using that name. There is NO reason to change name - unless you want to! I know some people who on paper keep their old names, but in person they like to be called something else, e.g. Matthew might become Mahmood, or John might become Yahya. But - again - there is no NEED to do that, because these names don't have bad meanings.

Are you getting me bro? The second thing I want to say, is about identity. It's only been a couple years since I was at school myself so I understand what you're worried about... But really, I want you to look at this in a different way. Is it right to avoid a beautiful name like Mohammed Yusef (I'm not saying you must have THIS name - a certificate doesn't mean anything remember, you don't need a certificate to tell you you are Muslim!) just because you are worried about what other people will say? At the moment it might be difficult, sure, no one likes difficulty, but look at it like this: if you have a Muslim sounding name, or a girl becomes Muslim and wears Hijab - people know straight away that you are a Muslim. So if you are a person who swears, laughs at dirty jokes, gets bad grades, is lazy, etc... Then what will people think about Islam? But what if you work hard, get good grades, always try to help people, smile often, don't tolerate any kind of bullying or insulting others, stand up for what is right - and people know you are a Muslim - what will they think then?

Identity is very important, but it is MORE important that you kind of "show off" that this is a beautiful way of life. When the Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) told people that an Angel came to him with a message to worship God - what did people like Abu Bakr and Ali do? They accepted it straight away, because they KNEW he was a truthful person, the MOST trustworthy person, someone who NEVER did a bad thing his whole life. This is how YOU should be respected by everyone - even if at the start they make fun of you.

I'm not telling you to take a different name - you can choose to keep your name, or take Mohammed Yusuf, or take a different name - what is important is that you realise you are a Muslim now, people should know you are a Muslim, and people should know that being a Muslim is helping to make you a BETTER person. And all help is from God.

[Mudassar-Rana]

good question and helpful answer.

If your not easy with the name - for whatever reason then leave it. If you chose another name what was it ? And there is nothing to stop you adopting to that or sticking with what you have - there are many high profile personalities who embraced islam but never changed their name.

I have an irish friend who took the name abdullah - but even other muslims still call him by his previous name tommy! Names should be positive but actions are the most important.

[Tahir-Riaz]

Scotty, on 16 April 2012 - 05:23 PM, said:

So I don't know which name I'm supposed to use and because I'm white I don't feel Mohammed would suit me as a name, and I would get taken the mick out of at school for it.

This world is not in need of more “Muslims by name”.
Seek to be a Muslim by character


PS! We are very happy to see you join our community. Please don’t hesitate to share your views and questions with us.

[seeker]

I would just like to mention one more thing (last one honest ).

When a person becomes Muslim and they are the only Muslim in their family, they should NOT change their name - at least, not with their parents. How would it feel to have your child - the one you gave birth to, chose a name for, and raised - to go and change his name and religion? It's as if they're turning their back on you completely! That is totally unacceptable, to hurt your parents in any way - rather the Qur'an tells us to behave with them in a manner even better than excellence, MORE than what is expected.

But since you mentioned that your family are comfortable with Islam, it is not an obstacle in this case. HOWEVER I would advise that you discuss this with your mother. She has more of a right over you than you have over yourself (unless they command you to do something forbidden, eg. drink alcohol, but no loving parent would request such a thing).

[Scotty]

seeker, on 16 April 2012 - 10:16 PM, said:

But since you mentioned that your family are comfortable with Islam, it is not an obstacle in this case. HOWEVER I would advise that you discuss this with your mother. She has more of a right over you than you have over yourself (unless they command you to do something forbidden, eg. drink alcohol, but no loving parent would request such a thing).

Thanks to everyone who replied, that makes me worry less about it.

Seeker, does this mean that if my mum wanted me to take my Muslim name then I should do it, or would have to do it?

I will talk to my mum and stepdad about it. Thanks bro.

[Scotty]

Tahir-Riaz, on 16 April 2012 - 10:09 PM, said:

This world is not in need of more “Muslims by name”.
Seek to be a Muslim by character


PS! We are very happy to see you join our community. Please don’t hesitate to share your views and questions with us.

I will do

[Scotty]

seeker, on 16 April 2012 - 05:46 PM, said:

At the moment it might be difficult, sure, no one likes difficulty, but look at it like this: if you have a Muslim sounding name, or a girl becomes Muslim and wears Hijab - people know straight away that you are a Muslim. So if you are a person who swears, laughs at dirty jokes, gets bad grades, is lazy, etc... Then what will people think about Islam? But what if you work hard, get good grades, always try to help people, smile often, don't tolerate any kind of bullying or insulting others, stand up for what is right - and people know you are a Muslim - what will they think then?

Identity is very important, but it is MORE important that you kind of "show off" that this is a beautiful way of life. When the Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) told people that an Angel came to him with a message to worship God - what did people like Abu Bakr and Ali do? They accepted it straight away, because they KNEW he was a truthful person, the MOST trustworthy person, someone who NEVER did a bad thing his whole life. This is how YOU should be respected by everyone - even if at the start they make fun of you.

I'm not telling you to take a different name - you can choose to keep your name, or take Mohammed Yusuf, or take a different name - what is important is that you realise you are a Muslim now, people should know you are a Muslim, and people should know that being a Muslim is helping to make you a BETTER person. And all help is from God.

I have been thinking about this and it is really good.

My friends (Muslim and non-Muslim) know that I am a Muslim now. What are some ways I can identify more as a Muslim?

I do get good grades and work hard, and try to be good, so I don't think people see me negatively. I am taking a few exams a year early this year.

[seeker]

Scotty, on 17 April 2012 - 01:38 AM, said:

I have been thinking about this and it is really good.

My friends (Muslim and non-Muslim) know that I am a Muslim now. What are some ways I can identify more as a Muslim?

I do get good grades and work hard, and try to be good, so I don't think people see me negatively. I am taking a few exams a year early this year.

Alhamdulillah, I'm really glad to hear all of that. You know, even while the Prophet (pbuh) was being persecuted by the Makkans, they still knew him to be the most honest of them all and most trustworthy (al-Amin) and left their goods with him. This is why, when he migrated to Madinah, he left Ali in his house in order that he could return those things people left with him! SubhanAllah... This is how a Muslim should be.

You ask concerning how to clearly mark yourself as a Muslim, I will say this: the mark of a Muslim is beautiful conduct. Be very particular about SMALL things, do not let them go unnoticed by your heart; if you owe someone £2.52, do not just give them back £2.50. If your parents ask something of you, do not delay unnecessarily. Do not walk past someone in need without offering a helping hand, nor past rubbish if you are able to dispose of it. If no one sees you, then know that Allah sees you, and this is how we should worship... As if we always see God, and even though we cannot see Him, He surely sees us. The last advice I would give you is to to seek the study of Arabic. I don't mean just reading, as many Muslims do, but I mean learn the language. I started at around your age and it has unlocked many doors for me alhamdulillah. You are young, intelligent, have few responsibilities... This is your chance.

When the noble Messenger (pbuh) entered Madinah, all the people were overjoyed and wanted to hear some kind of speech. He stood up and said a few words - what did he say? Did he talk about how Islam was the best? Did he talk about how mean the people of Makkah were? Did he talk about how important following him was? NO, none of these things. What did he say?

"Ayyuha an-naas! (O people!)
Afshu as-salaam! (Spread peace!)
Wa at-'imu at-ta'aam! (Feed (the poor and needy)!)
Wasilu al-arhaam! (Behave kindly to your relatives!)
Wa sallu billayli wannaasu niyaam! (Offer prayer when others are asleep!)
Tadkhulu al-Jannata bisalaam! (And (thus) enter Paradise in peace!)"

Please remember us all in your prayers, the blessings of God are cascading down upon you.

[seeker]

Oh and if you do choose to take a Muslim name (first name - you can't change your family name) - it's up to you, of course - you will get to do something nobody else gets the chance to do... Choose your own name!!! That's gotta be pretty cool huh?

[Scotty]

seeker, on 17 April 2012 - 11:36 AM, said:

Oh and if you do choose to take a Muslim name (first name - you can't change your family name) - it's up to you, of course - you will get to do something nobody else gets the chance to do... Choose your own name!!! That's gotta be pretty cool huh?

I have spoke to my mum about it as you said.

I asked her what name she would have given me if she had been Muslim when I was born. She said she didn't know because it's difficult to chose names, but she did say that as I was the eldest Mohammed would have most likely have been a possibility. She said it is up to me to make a choice if I want to, but she said if I do change my name she would like it if I would keep my name somewhere, like as a middle name. She doesn't seem to mind either way. I asked her if she thought Mohammed would suit me and she said of course it would, but I think she was just being nice, I'm not sure if she really thinks that.

[Scotty]

seeker, on 17 April 2012 - 11:34 AM, said:

Alhamdulillah, I'm really glad to hear all of that. You know, even while the Prophet (pbuh) was being persecuted by the Makkans, they still knew him to be the most honest of them all and most trustworthy (al-Amin) and left their goods with him. This is why, when he migrated to Madinah, he left Ali in his house in order that he could return those things people left with him! SubhanAllah... This is how a Muslim should be.

You ask concerning how to clearly mark yourself as a Muslim, I will say this: the mark of a Muslim is beautiful conduct. Be very particular about SMALL things, do not let them go unnoticed by your heart; if you owe someone £2.52, do not just give them back £2.50. If your parents ask something of you, do not delay unnecessarily. Do not walk past someone in need without offering a helping hand, nor past rubbish if you are able to dispose of it. If no one sees you, then know that Allah sees you, and this is how we should worship... As if we always see God, and even though we cannot see Him, He surely sees us. The last advice I would give you is to to seek the study of Arabic. I don't mean just reading, as many Muslims do, but I mean learn the language. I started at around your age and it has unlocked many doors for me alhamdulillah. You are young, intelligent, have few responsibilities... This is your chance.

When the noble Messenger (pbuh) entered Madinah, all the people were overjoyed and wanted to hear some kind of speech. He stood up and said a few words - what did he say? Did he talk about how Islam was the best? Did he talk about how mean the people of Makkah were? Did he talk about how important following him was? NO, none of these things. What did he say?

"Ayyuha an-naas! (O people!)
Afshu as-salaam! (Spread peace!)
Wa at-'imu at-ta'aam! (Feed (the poor and needy)!)
Wasilu al-arhaam! (Behave kindly to your relatives!)
Wa sallu billayli wannaasu niyaam! (Offer prayer when others are asleep!)
Tadkhulu al-Jannata bisalaam! (And (thus) enter Paradise in peace!)"

Please remember us all in your prayers, the blessings of God are cascading down upon you.

I would do that kind of thing anyway tbh bro

Do you think it is a good idea to wear a prayer cap most or a lot of the time? I know I don't have to, but just asking for opinions on it.

[Scotty]

I've decided I'm going to keep my name as it is. I don't see any good reason for changing it.

I might add a Muslim name as a middle name some time in the future maybe. That might be the better way to go.

[seeker]

Scotty, on 19 April 2012 - 05:20 PM, said:

I've decided I'm going to keep my name as it is. I don't see any good reason for changing it.

I might add a Muslim name as a middle name some time in the future maybe. That might be the better way to go.

Alhamdulillah, may God bless you in your decisions and increase His favour upon you. By the way - I'm not mentioning this concerning this issue - but generally, when one is making a (big) decision then there is a special prayer called Istikhara.

The method is thus: one prays 2 units (rakah) of Salah other than the compulsory (Fard), then says the following dua (prayer):

"O Allah, I consult you as You are All-Knowing and I appeal to You to give me power as You are All-Powerful, I ask You for Your great favour, for You have power and I do not, and You know all of the hidden matters. O Allah! If you know that this matter (e.g. to adopt a Muslim name, to marry so-and-so, to go to such-and-such a school, etc...) is good for me in my religion, livelihood and for my life in the Hereafter, them make it (easy) for me. And if you know that this matter is not good for me in my religion, my livelihood and my life in the Hereafter, then keep it away from me and take me away from it and choose what is good for me wherever it is and please me with it."

Having performed the prayer as such (or just the dua if one is not able to perform Salah), one should think carefully and go ahead with whichever decision. It is not necessary that one receives a dream or a clear "yes/no answer" (although it is not unheard of) - rather, the purpose is for Almighty God to put blessing in the decision, remove obstacles for us, and allow us to find good therein.


And just a final note on dua - often both Salah and Dua will be translated as "prayer", as in the Christian tradition they are one and the same thing. Salah - as you know - is the ritual worship, while Dua is the act of asking Almighty God, who says: "AND IF My servants ask thee about Me - behold, I am near; I respond to the call of him who calls, whenever he calls unto Me: let them, then, respond unto Me, and believe in Me, so that they might follow the right way." 2:186
The Prophet - salAllahu alayhi wasallam - said: "Dua is the very essence of worship." This is because it is the highest expression of humility, submission and neediness to God. Even if an answer does not come in the way we want, and when we want, there are great blessings therein. For example, on the Day of Resurrection people will come forth and find good deeds that they did not do - they will ask their Lord, "What is this?" to which the answer will come, that it is the dua which Allah delayed until That Day!

[Scotty]

Thanks bro, I will read some more on that.

I've got magrib prayer coming in about 30 mins.

[Faqir-Alam]

Scotty, on 19 April 2012 - 06:29 PM, said:

Thanks bro, I will read some more on that.

I've got magrib prayer coming in about 30 mins.

Aww MashahAllah

[Scotty]

I have really been thinking about this a lot since I reverted. My mates have been encouraging me to take a Muslim name, and I do have one which I like, which is Tariq. I think it would suit me. What do you think of that name?

Also can you suggest any good names that would go with it? Or just any other names you think might be good for me

[seeker]

Scotty, on 01 October 2012 - 07:37 PM, said:

I have really been thinking about this a lot since I reverted. My mates have been encouraging me to take a Muslim name, and I do have one which I like, which is Tariq. I think it would suit me. What do you think of that name?

Also can you suggest any good names that would go with it? Or just any other names you think might be good for me

Tariq's a great name, if you do want to take a Muslim name, that is! I actually know a revert who tried to take a Muslim name at one point but everyone just called him by his old name, was much easier!

Tariq is nice. I always loved the Biblical prophets' names... Yusuf, Dawud, Yahya, Zakariya, etc.

[Scotty]

seeker, on 01 October 2012 - 11:52 PM, said:

Tariq's a great name, if you do want to take a Muslim name, that is! I actually know a revert who tried to take a Muslim name at one point but everyone just called him by his old name, was much easier!

Tariq is nice. I always loved the Biblical prophets' names... Yusuf, Dawud, Yahya, Zakariya, etc.

Glad you liked it bro.

This is the hardest decision I've ever had to make, and I keep going backwards and forwards on it. It's so hard!

I have definitely decided to take a Muslim name somehow, but I'm not sure on whether to change my first name or just add it as a middle name. I'm also not decided on the name(s) to take either. I do like Tariq a lot though. Some of my mates think Mohammed Yusef (the name I was given) is pretty cool though and think I should go with that. It's so confusing..........it would be easier if someone decided for me in a way.

[sunniskeptic]

If I can suggest why don't you just use the Arabic version of your original Christian name? For example, if your name is Joseph, then change it
to Yusuf, if it is Michael, change it to Mika'eel or Mikaal, if it is Jacob then Yaqub etc.

I'd also suggest adding the blessed name of Ahmad/Muhammad before or after as it is recommended in the Sunnah.