Bearing the name 'Al-Mustafa'

(Part No. 10; Page No. 483) Fatwa no. 19294 All praise be to Allah Alone, and peace and blessings be upon the Last of the Prophets. To proceed:The Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta' has reviewed question no. (524/21/23), dated 13/11/1417 A.H. Submitted to the Grand Mufty by the Director of the Da`wa and Guidance Center in Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah about the ruling of bearing the name: Al-Mustafa. And whether it is a must to change this name or not. The question was referred to the Committee by the Secretariat General of the Council of Senior Scholars under no. (6359), dated 16/11/1417 A.H. And reads as follows:We refer to Your Eminence the case sent to us from the Province of Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, under no. (20194/15), dated 8/11/1417 A.H. Concerning the petition submitted by/ Al-Mustafa Muhammad Taqyullah Weld Mayaba, in which he asks to change his name from Al-Mustafa to Mustafa in his birth certificate, no. (266), dated 17/7/1402 A.H. Given that a Fatwa (legal opinion issued by a qualified Muslim scholar) is required in order to change a name, we hope that Your Eminence will review the case.

Having reviewed the case, the Committee answered that a Muslim should pick their baby name in line with the Sacred Shari`ah (Islamic law). As for the name Al-Mustafa, it suggests a praise and resemblance to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in one of his attributes. So it is improper to bear this name, (Part No. 10; Page No. 484) and it is a must that the one bearing such a name change it to Mustafa instead.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.