Permissibility of changing surname when father Is unknown
Question
As-salฤmu สฟalaykum. I recently accepted Islam, and Iโm considering changing my last name. The surname I currently have is not my fatherโs name, and I have no connection to it. I also have no way of knowing my biological fatherโs last name or contacting any family members. In this situation, is it permissible for me to change my last name?
Islamic Ruling & Answer
VerifiedWalekumussalam,
Your accepting Islam is a great blessing may Allah grant you steadfastness.
The answer to your question is that, in Islam, the basic rule is that a person should be attributed to their real father. However, your situation is different your current surname is not your fatherโs name, and you also do not know or have any way to contact your real father. In such a case, you are not required to keep a wrong attribution.
Therefore, it is permissible and even better for you to change your last name, as long as you do not link yourself to someone who is not actually your father. You may choose a neutral or general name that does not falsely claim a fatherโs identity.
However, it is not allowed to knowingly attribute yourself to someone who is not your real father.
Answered by
Mufti Tosif Qasmi
April 04, 2026
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