Date : 23-12-2009

Question :

I have applied to the court to change the name of my three-year old daughter (Dalaa`) as it contradicts with customs, social values and Islamic Law. This is in addition to the fact that this name is meaningless and holds negative connotations that don`t befit a little girl and her parents. This name has brought shame and disrespect to my daughter, me and her mother. Being keen on raising my daughter according to the teachings of Islamic Law, I have taken actual steps to change it and hope that your Grace would issue an official letter or a Fatwa to convince the court to change it.

The Answer :

Praise be to Allah the Lord of the Worlds. May His peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Mohammad and upon all his family and companions.


 


Since the name (Dalaa`) is causing a great deal of embarrassment to the above questioner and his family, then it is permissible to change it into another suitable name since the Messenger of Allah used to change bad names to good ones. Narrated AbudDarda': The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said: "On the Day of Resurrection you will be called by your names and by your father's names, so give yourselves good names." {Related by Abu Dawoud}.


In conclusion, we recommend responding to the questioner`s request by changing the name of his daughter in consideration for his and his family`s feelings. And Allah The Almighty Knows Best.