Can I Recover My Original Family Last Name Before It Was Changed by My Father?

Answered by Ustadh Tabraze Azam

Question: As salam alaykum,

When my father came to France he took a french last name before my birth. Can I recover my original arabic last name?

Answer: Wa alaikum assalam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,

I pray that this message finds you well, insha’Allah.

It is permissible to change your last name as long as it is not done as a means of negating your parental lineage. Further, such a change should not be deemed offensive by your parents as that could be sinful.

If you prefer for your family and children to have their original name, you should consult those worthy of consultation, pray the Prayer of Seeking Guidance (salat al-istikhara) [The Reality of Istikhara], and then do whatever you feel is the best decision.

May Allah bless you with His facilitation.

Please also see: Is it Necessary to Change One’s Name after Becoming Muslim? and: Can a Man Change His Last Name?

And Allah alone knows best.

wassalam,

Tabraze Azam

Checked & Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani