Changing a Person's Name After His Conversion to Islam My roommate has been seeking to change his last name to one that is Islamic in nature. I was wondering if you had any suggestions? He wants something really different and uncommon and to flow with his first and middle name: XYZ Reply As far as changing the name of a convert Muslim is concerned, it is again not necessary, except in case the original name refers to some un-Islamic or wrong belief. During the time of the Prophet (pbuh), many polytheists converted to Islam. Normally their names were not changed, except where their names referred to some polytheistic beliefs. For example, Abdul-Uzza (meaning: servant of Uzza, Uzza being one of the gods) should be changed, as it refers to a polytheistic belief. Other names, which do not have any religious connotation do not need to be changed. You see, my brother, Islam wants to cleanse your soul. It has absolutely no objection if your name is pronounced as Mikail or Michael, Patras or Peter. The Learner