Changing one's surname
Question
I am not married. I would like to change my surname. Is this permissible?
Answer
The surname is a form of identification. A woman is either identified through her maiden surname or her husband's surname. Changing your maiden surname for no valid reason will be a cause of confusion and unclarity among people. Hence it will be impermissible for you to change your surname.
And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
- Answered by
- Mufti Zakaria Makada
- Checked & approved by
- Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)
Where scholars differ, it’s safer to take the more cautious view.
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Source: Mufti Online — Madrasah Ta'leemuddeen — https://muftionline.co.za/node/3082
Fatawa SA: https://fatawa.co.za/fatwa/muftionline-3082
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