Accepting Islam and changing one's name

Question

I am looking at converting to Islam and have several questions. Is my name permissible, or should I change it due to it having un-Islamic meanings? Todd means fox, dog, clever or wily (intending to be deceitful), and Christopher means Christ-bearer. My next question is hair on men, my hair is long, it is past my shoulders but is neat and kept clean, am I commanded to cut it or shave it if I convert? Also, what is the rule on piercings, I have several. My last question is I still am researching and trying to clear doubts, should I take my Shahadah now or wait and clear my doubts first and say it with a clear mind, and is it better to say it in private or in public like a mosque?

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee · Accepted Answer

Change your name.

You may trim it slightly above your shoulder.

Whatever has been done prior to accepting Islam, if it can be rectified it should be, and if it cannot then Allah will forgive you provided you dislike and abandon the ways and styles of disbelievers.

You rather do the shahaadah now privately and when your mind is clear you may announce it publicly.

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

Q: Thank you for answering my previous email where you suggested changing my name.  Should I adopt another English or western name or use an Arabic? If Arabic, do you have suggestions? Should I also legally change it or just use it as a nickname?

A: Use an arabic name with Islamic connotations.

You may keep the name Zakariyya or Moosa.

You do not have to change it legally.

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

Answered by:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)

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