Q. Do you have to change your name on accepting Islam?A. Changing the name is not an Islamic requirement. During the time of the Prophet Muhammad PBUH all of those who accepted Islam retained the name they had before Islam. These included some of the closest of the Prophets companions like Umar, Abu Bakr, Uthman, Bilal, Salman etc,.

The Prophet never changed the name of anyone except in the situation when the name had a derogatory meaning. An example of this was one companion whose name was Abdul Shams meaning 'the servant/slave of the sun' indicating peoples belief in the power of such things before Islam. The Prophet PBUH changed it to Abdur-Rahman meaning 'the servant/slave of God Most Compassionate'.

Some of the names we are familiar with in Islam are not of Arabic origin such as Ismael, Yaqub, Yahya and Yusuf but were incorporated by the very fact that their owners identified themselves by 'La illaaha illallah'.

Regardless of origin if the name given at birth does not have a derogatory meaning then it is not required to change it.

Q. A person should desist from what would be displeasing to Allah on declaring Shahadah but they are only answerable for what they know. This puts emphasis on what they are told in a sensible way. What is your guidance on this?A. When you become aware of what is forbidden in Islam, you should avoid it. If you are not aware of it however it is not possible either to leave it or to be punished for it. For those who are in the position of guiding others in Islam there is always the dilemma regarding how to inform and how much information should be given.

Since we are only human we tend to empathise with the newcomer to Islam thinking that we are being merciful if we withhold some information which we feel they are not, as yet, ready for.

What has to be remembered is that whatever Allah forbids is forbidden and that not only have we to protect ourselves from doing wrong but we are duty bound to make it known to others as well.

It is necessary therefore that we are fully aware of the reasons behind each injunction so that our explanation is thorough and informed.

Of course this information should always be delivered in the gentlest of manners making the receiver all the more appreciative given the nature of the subject and the scope of information on the topic you are in a position to offer. We will be answerable to Allah if we allow ourselves, or anyone else, to continue to do anything that is forbidden in the Shari'ah - law of Allah.

Q. Muslim men compete with each other in the length of their beards - why is this so?A. Growing a beard is a Sunnah, - that is - it is liked but it is not a must. Given the fact that some of our Brothers from different regions of the world simply cannot grow beards it is Allah's wisdom therefore that the choice to grow or not to grow lies with the individual and is not Fard - compulsory.
The length of your beard or its absence is no indication of being a good Muslim. As for its tidiness the majority of scholars, based on the practice of the companions of the Prophet PBUH, and his drawing attention to the untidiness and dishevelment of some of the companions on a few occasions, recommend that it is Sunnah to keep it short and tidy.