Author Topic: Should someone named "Muhammad" who converts change his name? (Read 942 times)

Cryptinox · « **on:** April 11, 2021, 05:07:48 PM »

I know that the 1917 code of canon law requires you to give your child a Christian name, but what about converts born with unchristian names? Are they bound to change it?

Viva Cristo Rey · « **Reply #1 on:** April 11, 2021, 05:09:59 PM »

They should choose new Christian name.

SimpleMan · « **Reply #2 on:** April 11, 2021, 07:44:58 PM »

Good question. Just to play the devil's advocate here, I wonder if it might be good to take a Christian name for one's first name, but keep "Muhammad" as a middle name, to demonstrate that someone can, indeed, convert from Islam to Catholicism.

The name "Muhammad" merely means "praiseworthy" in Arabic, just as "Bara(c)k" means "blessed" --- "Mubarak" is a common Arab name, even among Christians --- and "Hussein" simply means "beautiful". You will see this name among Arab-Americans rendered as "Hassen", "Husson", "Husain", "Hassan", and so on. There is nothing intrinsically wrong with any of these names.

Seraphina · « **Reply #3 on:** April 11, 2021, 07:46:36 PM »

Yes, they need a Christian baptismal name and later, a confirmation name. As to whether they should legally change their name, probably, but I don’t think it necessary if it would create complicated business, financial, and danger for Muslim relatives. If I had such a distinctly Muslim name, I’d certainly want others to call me by my Christian name.

CathInfo.com

Author Topic: Should someone named "Muhammad" who converts change his name? (Read 942 times)

Cryptinox

Should someone named "Muhammad" who converts change his name?

Viva Cristo Rey

Re: Should someone named "Muhammad" who converts change his name?

SimpleMan

Re: Should someone named "Muhammad" who converts change his name?

Seraphina

Re: Should someone named "Muhammad" who converts change his name?