How to Change One's Name to Become Muslim
Although new converts to Islam are not required to change their names, many take new names upon conversion. Some converts must change their names because their name's meaning is forbidden in Islam. Other people change their names as a way of embracing and announcing their new identity. Changing your name can be as simple as asking people to call you something else, or you can change your name legally. State laws variy about how to apply for a name change, but the general steps of the process are similar.
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Instructions
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Choose your Islamic name. Usually, these are Arabic names. Some people choose names that sound like their original names while others select names with meanings they like. Decide if you want to change only your first name or both your fist and surnames.
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Petition to change your name with the required court in your state. This petition includes your original name, your new name, and in most cases, a sworn affidavit that you're not changing your name to avoid debt or criminal proceedings. Most states have a standard name-change petition that you can fill out and file, and there is usually a fee.
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Register your name change. To register the name change, you must get the new name on certain official documents first, such as your driver's license, passport and Social Security card. Show the court order for your name change as proof of your new identity. These official documents may be required to change your name with your bank or your employer.
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Inform others of your name change, like doctors, credit card companies and other institutions or companies you deal with. Some of these might also require the court order changing your name or other official documents with the new name.
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Tips & Warnings
Before going through the process to officially change your name, ask people to call you by your new name for awhile to get used to it and make sure you really like it.
References
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