Question: 

If a person
reverts to Islam is it compulsory for them to change their name on their ID to
their new Islamic name? 

Answer: 

The primary objective of an I.D. document is to identify an individual. Now, if the non-Muslim name remains on the I.D. document then the correct identification will not be achieved and could ultimately lead to a number of complications. For example, if a new Muslim happens to be travelling with his old I.D. document with his non-Muslim name registered on it and (Allah forbid!) meets in an accident and passes away in such an area where he is unknown then the Muslims of the area may be confused in regards to the status of his religion. On the other hand, if the I.D. document reflected his Muslim name then the Muslim burial committee would recognize him as a Muslim and hence arrange for his Ghusl and burial according to Islamic rites.

In conclusion, although changing one’s particulars on one’s identity document is not a Shari’ee requirement for the validity of one’s Imaan but it is a requirement for proper identification purposes in all instances. A revert should therefore record his proper Muslim name on his I.D. document as soon as possible.

And Allah Ta'aala knows best!

ANSWERED BY: Mufti Mohammed Desai

CHECKED AND APPROVED BY: Mufti Muhammed Saeed Motara Saheb D.B 

Date: 23 Dhul Hijjah 1441 

English Date: 15 August 2020