A woman before becoming Muslim changed her last name from her family
name to her husband’s. Now that she is Muslim, she is no longer married
to that man. Also, she would like to formally change her name to a Muslim
name to affirm her Islamic identity. She would like to also change her last
name back to her family name, however, she would like to adopt her
mother’s maiden name (maternal grand-father’s name) instead of her
father’s name, since there is some conflict between them, and that she said
he did not have much to do with her upbringing. Is it permissible for her to
take her mother’s maiden name?

Praise be to Allaah.

This woman’s desire to take an Islamic name and to change her family name from that
of her former husband is quite correct, but it is not permissible for her to call herself
after anyone except her legitimate father – no matter what the reasons for wishing to do
so. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “Call them (adopted sons) by the
names of their fathers…” [al-Ahzaab 33:5].

The Prophet
(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever calls
himself by other than his father’s name (or attributes himself to someone other than his
father), will be cursed by Allaah, the angels and all the people.” (Reported by Ibn Maajah,
2599; see also Saheeh al-Jaami’, 6104).

And Allaah is the Source of help.