Fatwa #730827 November 2002United States of America

my last name is Kareem. Is it okay or should I change it to Abdul Kareem?

Question

my last name is Kareem. Is it okay or should I change it to Abdul Kareem? If yes, is it obligatory upon me to change it in all official and unofficial documentation or should I just start writing Abdul Karim as my last name from now on.

Answer

It is not necessary to change your name.

Both names are permissible, ?Kareem?, and ?Abdul-Kareem?.

and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best

Moulana Imraan Vawda
FATWA DEPT.

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