Expert: Sirine Malas - 2/25/2011

Question
I read on this page that if a non muslim does a Nikah to marry a muslim then its not considered converting. Now my question is that i'm a male and my girlfriend is muslim and her family said all we have to do is a Nikah but if i'm not converting then why do i need to change my name then?

Answer
Dear Sean,

(please note that this is outside my experties, although connected, religion is one thing and culture in another , but nevertheless I ll try to help).

In the Quran it is written that non Muslims of other Abrahamic faiths may marry. However, some "religion Men" like Imam's and sheikhs (like priests and rabbis) still do not approve of it unless the non muslim is the female ,, it has to do with the fact that children follow their fathers nationality and religion as far as official papers are concerned.

Now about why you need to change your name without converting I really don't know ,,, this is the first time I hear of this.

I think they want it to look like you are not a Non Muslim thus we won't need to convert ,, this is the only explanation I can think of.

I hope you get my point.

If you need any more perspective on this I ll be happy to help.

All the Best,
Sirine