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Islamic teachings strongly encourage women to retain their original family name after marriage to preserve their lineage and identity. Changing one’s name to the husband’s surname is generally discouraged in Islamic jurisprudence. However, if there are cultural or legal pressures, it is advisable to seek guidance from knowledgeable scholars to balance adherence to Islamic principles with practical realities.
Islamic teachings emphasize the importance of maintaining one’s lineage and ancestry. The Qur’an specifically mentions the importance of being attributed to one’s biological father.
Allah says in the Qur’an what can be translated as:
“Call them by [the names of] their fathers; it is more just in the sight of Allah…”
(Surah Al-Ahzab, 33:5).
Based on this verse and other evidence, scholars have generally agreed that it is not permissible for a Muslim woman to change her family name to her husband’s name, as it might imply a change in lineage or an attribution to someone other than her biological father.
Some scholars allow the use of the husband’s surname in social contexts where it is clearly understood that it does not indicate a change in lineage, but they still advise that her official documents and legal identity should retain her original family name.
